Wetherspoon has confirmed the 3,200-strong petition opposing closure of The George pub in Wanstead has been discussed by its board, but the company remains committed to selling the pub.
The response came to a letter sent by Wanstead Village councillor Paul Donovan to Wetherspoons chair Sir Tim Martin. In the letter, Councillor Donovan highlighted the “dismay” and “concern” of the local population, as reflected in the petition, at the potential loss of the pub.
“Wetherspoons are known to be sensitive to the concerns of their customers and the well-being of local communities. I know that you have reconsidered closure decisions before, when there has been local support for pubs staying open. Hopefully you may think again with regard to The George,” said Councillor Donovan.
In response, a Wetherspoons spokesperson said: “We can confirm that The George is currently on the market however it will continue operating as a Wetherspoon pub until is sold and we very much hope that you will still enjoy the pub until then. We understand that you, the pub’s other loyal customers and our dedicated members of staff will be disappointed with this decision, however JD Wetherspoon has made the decision on a commercial basis which we believe is in the best interest of the company as a whole. We hope customers will choose to visit our other pubs in the area. We can confirm that staff will be given the opportunity for re-employment at other Wetherspoon pubs in the event that their pub is sold. Nonetheless your comments and observations have been noted, and thank you for the petition which has been discussed with the board.”
To view the petition, visit wnstd.com/savethegeorge
To contact Wetherspoons, email customerservices@jdwetherspoon.co.uk
