Couple hit out at victimisation (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Couple hit out at victimisation

A COUPLE running a Fairford pub say a campaign of thefts, malicious rumours and sabotage will not force them out of business, despite it leading to a 50 percent drop in income.

Andy and Jenny Kerr say they have had enough of the problems they have faced since taking over the Eight Bells, in London Road, in June - their first ever pub.

The latest setback was the theft of six hanging baskets from the pub's entrance on Friday night.

Over the past seven months numerous items have been taken from the premises.

Last summer parasols, chairs and a brand new A-board were stolen, and since then six ornaments have been removed from inside the pub - two of which were subsequently returned to their doorstep - with the other four remaining missing.

The couple, both aged 42, say they have been told rumours have been spread around Fairford that the pub is dirty and dogs run around while people are eating and that they are leaving the pub.

A darts match between the pub and Red Lion in Lechlade was also cancelled last month after someone impersonating Mr Kerr phoned the opposition landlord to say the game was off.

On Sundays - their day off - the toilets would regularly be blocked by someone stuffing toilet roll down the bowl, and taps left running in the ladies lavatory.

The rumours have damaged business, said Mr Kerr, with takings dropping by half since October.

Mr Kerr said: "It's hard enough to make a living in this trade anyway and when you see the takings down you have to cut back on stock and everything."

Although Mr and Mrs Kerr believe they know who is responsible for their problems they will not publicly say so because they have no proof and have been advised not to do so by their solicitor.

Mrs Kerr said: "The rumours have spread like wildfire and we can't take it anymore.

"We just want them to know we know it's them and that we know what's going on but we are not going to name them.

"Those people need to look at themselves because they are far from perfect."

George Arkell, director of Arkell's Brewery, which owns the pub, said: "Trade has been affected at The Eight Bells, but the brewery will provide help and support to the pub wherever possible."

A police spokesman confirmed the theft of the hanging baskets is being investigated.