Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood defends wife against 'unforgivable' criticism over pub closure
ok.co.ukThe Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood has labelled the criticism of his wife and her family as "unforgivable" after they were given the green light to convert their Kent pub into a home.
Melissa Hollywood, who is married to the TV personality, reportedly revealed that her family plans to shut down the Grade-II listed Chequers Inn in Smarden at the end of August due to dwindling trade.
She has reportedly faced backlash after being granted permission by Ashford Borough Council's planning committee to transform the 600 year old property into a residence.The application, lodged in January, was met with resistance from locals and Smarden Parish Council who were concerned that the loss of the pub, which is at the "heart of the village", would "conflict with the aims of promoting the economy", according to planning documents. "The vindictiveness from the locals towards the family who have been here 18 years is unforgivable," Paul told BBC South East.
After the council planning meeting, Paul stated that his wife's family had intended to sell the pub as a business but had only received unrealistic offers. "If the villagers themselves want to get their act together and put a bid in and buy it, that's fine," he said. "At the end of the month it's earmarked to close because they cannot sustain the money that's coming in because there's no money coming in." Paul claimed that the business was failing despite tens of thousands having been spent on renovations and a new car park.The 58 year old stated: "I'm going to have to step in and help them out, personally, but I'm not a charity.
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