Peterborough Arms appeals for donations to protect pub

The Peterborough Arms, at Dauntsey Lock, was taken over by new tenants Holly Gauci and her father Kevin in December following the retirement of long-serving landlords Brendan and Michelle Watkins.

But now the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, which owns the pub, has warned the viability of the business is at risk following flooding in the area.

In an announcement on Facebook, trust CEO Mike Gibbin revealed poor weather had worsened an existing issue with water runoff down the hill from the B4069, causing flooding to the front and side of the building.

Mr Gibbin believes the pub’s future could be in danger if “a permanent and robust drainage system” is not installed to safeguard it.

The Peterborough Arms (Image: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust)

He said: “We are now faced with a major issue that will affect the viability of the pub as a profitable business.

“A long-term fix by the council is not likely to happen anytime soon, the B4069 closure being an example.

“If the flooding is not resolved, it may result in a difficult financial situation, and the pub could be without a tenant.”

Mr Gibbin added that Wiltshire Council needs “to do more” to alleviate the issues.

The trust estimates £18,000 is needed to complete the necessary improvements, but they say this is beyond their means.

They have now launched a public appeal to try and raise the money to protect the Grade II listed building, which won a CAMRA award for the best public house refurbishment in 2020.

Flooding in the pub cellar had also been an issue, but this has been resolved by works in recent weeks.

The Peterborough Arms (Image: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust)

The pub has been hit by difficult circumstances in the last two years, with the long-term closure of the B4069 Lyneham Banks slashing its trade.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for flooding, admitted the issues at the venue are “concerning”.

She said: “We are concerned about the flooding issues at the Peterborough Arms which have been exacerbated by the recent extreme weather.

“Since we were notified of the issue, the drainage system along this section of the B4069 has been cleared to try and prevent the water runoff.

“We have also identified further work that can be undertaken on adjacent land which will require collaboration with local landowners.

“We are coordinating potential improvements with the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust to improve the situation for their tenant in the longer term.”