The couple faced with legal action after converting the Newtown Inn want the uncertainty to end, (We own this place - we are not giving it away, Hereford Times, April 7). So do many of the local residents.

In 2012 the retrospective planning permission Mr and Mrs Willmott sought was rejected by the Herefordshire planning authority and again on appeal. The planning inspector said: “There are instances where a public house may become run down because it is failing.

"However, in view of the failing ‘pub co’ model and financial problems of the landlord, it appears that there was a lack of investment ‘from above’ in the premises. Further, anecdotal evidence suggests that the local community covered the costs of essential repairs when the landlord refused to do so. This, coupled with indications that the appeal property was profitable in the recent past, serves to further demonstrate the value of the appeal property to the local community.”

The local community has waited patiently for the planning process to be completed. The recent petition to the council to help reopen the pub and the listing of the property at the request of the parish council as an asset of community value (AVA) show that the support for the reopening of the pub has not diminished.

Mr and Mrs Willmott wish the uncertainty to end. They purchased the property which was marketed as a pub and at a much reduced price. Only after they made changes and were told that they had to apply for planning permission did they do so.

They lost. They appealed. They lost. The property price is likely to be less than they paid for it because they have made alterations that detract from it being a pub.

If they sell now they will not be giving it away but they may well have to accept less than they paid for it. If they stay then the legal process will go on until this facility is restored to the village. The process has taken four years and this couple have been given every chance but they have been in the wrong from the start. If the “hole” they are in now is getting bigger then stop digging, stop the uncertainty as to when the community will have its facility back and sell up.

Yarkhill has an ageing population and no facilities except a Spar shop and garage and an old village hall at the other end of the community. The pub was the main regular meeting place, was used as the post office two days a week and for many the centre of the village. There are many who want their village facility restored. We do not want a car park in the middle of nowhere for which the parish is expected to pay rent!

Steve Kirby

Lower Eggleton