Ashmore pub gets revamp after being rescued from closure
A pub in Wolverhampton which was rescued from the bulldozer after customers launched a campaign to save it is to undergo a revamp.
Work on a new Co-Operative store on a neighbouring shopping precinct is also due to start.
Regulars in Wednesfield got into a battle over The Ashmore Inn, which was bought by New River Retail as part of a 202-pub deal with Marstons Brewery.
The firm, which specialises in food retailing, eventually agreed to keep the pub running after the campaign in 2014 succeeded in having it listed as an Asset of Community Value, making it more difficult for the developer to go ahead with the scheme.
More than 350 people signed a petition to save The Ashmore, now undergoing improvements. Pub bosses say it will continue trading as normal throughout the works.
A new Co-operative convenience store, also owned by New River Retail, will begin to take place within the next two weeks in the neighbouring shopping centre. As part of the plans, the pub's large car park will be shared between pub and customers of the new 3,000sq ft shop.
The idea of turning the pub itself into a shopping centre was scrapped following a public outcry.
Peadar Brewster, who ran the campaign to save the pub, said: "It's exciting times for the pub as we will be having a general refurbishment and new developments to improve the premises. We are now free of tie which means we can change and sell a wider range of products.
Martin Hughes, director at New River Retail, said the new Co-op would create 25 jobs.
