A LANDLADY has fought back criticism on her decision to close a well-established pub.

Sian Payne, the owner of Punch Bowl Inn located at Paglesham Churchend, Rochford, applied for a change of use certificate from a public house to a residential property to Rochford council as she was struggling to sustain the business.

Mrs Payne said her application attracted backlash from residents who claimed she was putting an end to one of Paglesham’s attractions.

She said: “Of course I don’t want to close the pub because it has been me and my family’s dream to have our life here. I’m trying my best to keep it together. All I want is an option from council so if I close the business my family and I can live in the property.”

Mrs Payne runs the pub with her husband, Glenn. When they bought the the pub in September 2016 the unlucky couple had to spend £70,000 to repair the property.

She added: “The whole property needed a revamp. We also spent a lot of money on promotions.

“Basically, it’s not working out. The location of the pub is not ideal. There’s no transport, no customer loyalty because we’re in the middle of no where.

"It was an awful day two days ago, we only made £30.”

Mrs Payne submitted an application to Rochford council in June but it was rejected as the planning committee believed the closure of the pub leads to job losses, and the loss of a tourist attraction.

Mrs Payne said keeping the pub is taking a toll on the family financially as it costs more than £50,000 to keep the business running.

“We don’t have many staff here so it won’t affect employment in the area. I do try to keep the business running.”

David Whittingham, chairman of Paglesham council, said they urged Rochford council help maintain one of Paglesham’s focal destinations. He commented: “It will be a loss of a village amenity. The pub has been there for a long time. It’s one of the earliest buildings in the parish. It’s a local attraction for residents and tourists.”

Case Officer Robert Davis from Rochford council was contacted for a comment but he was not available to comment before the paper went to print.