Historic lodge may be turned into bar after builder owner hit by cash crisis

The national chain is in negotiations to take over the historic Anglesey Lodge in Hednesford and turn the building into a pub.

The building is thought to be among a raft of property which is being sold off by administrators to pay the Pritchard Group's £100million debts.

Plans to sell some of the group's industrial, office, commercial and residential premises were revealed in August, four months after administrators were called in over debts to Lone Star. Only part of the group has gone into administration. A further 16 companies continue to trade, including its main arm and property side.

It was unclear today whether Anglesey Lodge remains in use but it is believed talks with Wetherspoons are at an advanced stage.

Anglesey Lodge was built in 1831 and was a hotel for many years before it was bought by the Pritchard Group.

Councillor Alan Pearson said a Wetherspoon pub would be further boost to Hednesford adding to other developments taking place.

Work on a huge glass-fronted Tesco supermarket is now nearing completion and is to open on November 26. It is part of a revamp of the town's Victoria Shopping Park. And a bid for £2.6m has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund for improvements to Hednesford Park.

Councillor Pearson said: "It is my understanding Wetherspoon are interested in opening up a venue in Hednesford.

"I believe this would be an additional boost in bringing more trade into the town as pubs of this kind are very popular.

"The aim is for Hednesford to be a thriving town which brings in visitors and new businesses. This is a very exciting time. Hednesford is certainly not standing still."

Officials from the pub group today refused to comment on any plans at this stage.