Decision to put Wick pub on the market 'not what our town needs'
J D Wetherspoon's decision to put its Wick pub up for sale for the second time in three years has been described as "disappointing" and "strange" by the chairperson of the local community council.
"This is not what our town centre needs after the past two years, with life coming back to a new normal and with rules relaxing," Joanna Coghill said yesterday.
The company says the move is "a commercial decision" and that the Alexander Bain in Market Square will remain open until a buyer can be found.
The Alexander Bain was previously put up for sale in March 2019 but it was confirmed in June that year that it was being taken off the market. It has around 50 staff.
"It is disappointing," Mrs Coghill said. "Taking a 'commercial decision' to dispose of a busy establishment is somewhat strange.
"The pub is right bang in the centre of our town. And clearly it is not only a pub but a great big social space – a hub, a place for young and old, families and friends to catch up. And from what I have heard and have seen for myself, it has been very busy these last few months.
"Wetherspoon's being open is encouraging folk to meet up again before or after shopping or before moving on to other eateries and bars in the town. Since it opened 2003 it has got folk out and about during the day until late at night – locals and visitors.
"I hope that our Alexander Bain remains open until a new buyer is found and the sale goes through – for the staff and for those who frequent it."
Spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We can confirm that the Alexander Bain, Wetherspoon’s pub in Wick, has been placed on the market.
“The pub will remain trading as normal while the pub is for sale.
“We understand that both staff and customers will be disappointed with the news. However, it is a commercial decision and, on occasion, Wetherspoon does put some of its pubs up for sale.”
The pub opened at Wick's former post office in May 2003 and is named after the Watten-born inventor of the electric clock who lived from 1810 to 1877.