A TROWBRIDGE pub that was ‘being run into the ground’ has been rejuvenated after it was taken over by new owners and tenants, says a local resident.

The Wiltshire Yeoman pub, in Chilmark Road, was put on the market in September by Greene King, who said it was ‘less sustainable’ than its other properties.

In response to this, concerned residents, such as John Martin, from the Broadmead estate rallied together to start a campaign group to stop it being sold as they feared it would be turned into housing.

However in the last few months, Butcombe Brewery Ltd took over the place and earlier this month tenants Nic and Petra Lee have brought in a new chef, a new menu and new drinks, which, according to Mr Martin, has revitalised the pub.

“It is great to have our community pub back once more. It is light years better than it was before, I am very happy with the turnaround,” he said.

“The pub was being run into the ground but thankfully Butcombe Brewery came in and saved the place a few months back and they have been looking for some tenants to run it and in just a few short weeks you can already see what a great impact they are having.

“The food is vastly improved, the garden is looking wonderful and bright again and the whole place is just rejuvenated. Their Sunday roasts and recent barbecue all sold out and that is great to see.

“I want to thank the Wiltshire Times for highlighting this issue. Our campaign group attracted 340 members and because of that support and the article, Mr Lee was able to read it and now here we are.

“Mr Lee is now the head admin for our Facebook page so that he can put events on the page and we can give our feedback as we believe in what they are doing. Hopefully we helped get the pub on the right track again.”

Mr and Mrs Lee had been looking for a new pub for several years and after reading the Wiltshire Times article, he did all he could to become a tenant there.

“I read the article a while back and thought, ‘I want to be part of this and help save it’ and so far so good,” he said.

“I feel very fortunate to be in this position, being the tenant of a pub that has a wonderful community feel, fantastic gardens and friendly customers.

“We spoke to Butcombe Brewery and struck a deal with them. I want to thank everyone for being so welcoming and appreciative of the changes we have made. Our meat is all sourced locally which is important. It is early days but it has been a very encouraging start.”