THERE is a difference of opinion among local residents following Tim Martin’s visit to Cumbria last week.

The Wetherspoons owner visited the county and was joined by local MP Mark Jenkinson as part of a tour around the north west of England.

Speaking at The Henry Bessemer pub in Workington, Martin stated that he plans to install beer gardens at both the Allerdale property as well as The Bransty Arch in Workington. He also suggested that he was considering opening a new Wetherspoons in Cockermouth.

Discussing his visit, Mr Martin said: “I’ve had breakfast here, spoke to all the staff on duty, made notes of their comments and agreed with their strongest suggestion – try to get a beer garden somehow.

“We’ve added beer gardens at many pubs including recently at Barrow, a while back at The William Rufus (in Carlisle) and soon, hopefully, at Whitehaven.”

Over on the News and Star’s Facebook page, readers have shared their thoughts on Martin’s plans. Charles Wood commented: “Great, another nail in a real pub's coffin. What happens when he kills all the real pubs? You'll be paying £5 a pint and complaining that no one championed the customer when real pubs always did.”

Jessie Elizabeth McCarron backed both Mr Martin and Mr Jenkinson, saying: “Two people that are trying to do good to towns by giving well needed jobs during a pandemic where nothing is going good at the moment. No jobs and no work! Wetherspoons pubs aren't taking over local ones, they just give people what they want and need: choice! It’s called choice for a reason!”

Nic Barnes suggested where the chain could place their new establishment to make it easier for independent pubs to strive. She said: “Put one in a tourist spot to stop the other pubs charging £8 a pint.”