'Jobs may have to go very soon': Future of Robin 2 at risk due to impact of coronavirus

The Robin 2 has hosted some of the biggest names in rock during a glittering three decades, welcoming thousands of star names from Joe Bonamassa to Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant via Slade and Steven Seagal. It has also welcomed several million fans.

Now, however, its future is in jeopardy because of Covid-19. Owner Fraser Tranter, who is from Bilston, bought the club two years ago but says the jobs of at least half of his 20 staff are at risk.

And he has warned that Wolverhampton Council’s decision to use a free public car park outside his venue as a Covid-19 testing station may be the final straw.

Mr Tranter said: “At the back of the club there’s a public car park that is used by bands and people who come to see gigs. Now that’s closed because it’s in use as a Covid testing station.

“We can’t trade anyway at the moment and since March all that I’ve received is a £25,000 grant. I’ve spent more than £300,000 on this place since I bought it and we haven’t received any ticket money or bar money in six months.

“Jobs may have to go very soon anyway because of Covid-19. But the council’s decision to end free parking is the final straw. It’s not just me; a lot of businesses are on their knees and the council will literally end up killing some of those off because people can no longer park.

“Overnight, they’ve killed this town. It’s horrifying. People keep asking me if we’re alright. Well, I have to say, the answer to that is no, we’re not alright. We can’t trade and now when they do eventually give us the green light, people can’t park so they won’t come.”

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, City of Wolverhampton’s Cabinet member for Public Health and Wellbeing said it was important to support businesses and the local community.

He said: “Supporting businesses throughout the coronavirus pandemic has been a council priority along with ensuring the health of our residents.

“We’re currently working to increase testing rates across the city, making it easier for those with symptoms to get tested and prevent the spread of the virus.

“Mountford Lane Car Park in Bilston was identified as an ideal location for local residents – including those with underlying health issues – to get tested in a part of the city with low test rates.

“It is also one of the few sites in Bilston to meet the criteria as set by the Department of Health to set up their temporary buildings.

“We appreciate the concerns raised by Mr Tranter and are working closely with him to resolve the issues while the testing site remains in place for the next three months.”

Walk-in testing is available at Mountford Lane Car Park between 10am and 5pm on Friday and 8am-8pm each day from Saturday.

Anyone with symptoms, no matter how mild, is urged to get a free test.