OKEHAMPTON and District Chamber of Trade and the town’s MP have been among those to welcome the news that The White Hart is to open again in July after JD Wetherspoon announced development work will begin on the pub on Monday (February 29).

The pub chain is due to open its new premises on July 19 after a £3-million investment.

The hotel will have 20 rooms available for guests to stay in while the company is optimistic that the pub opening can create up to 60 jobs.

Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon said: ‘We are delighted that development is set to start on our new pub and hotel for Okehampton.

‘We have been keen to open a pub in the town for a number of years and pleased that this is now happening. We are confident that the pub will be a great asset to Okehampton and also hopefully act as a catalyst for other businesses to invest in the area.’

The news has come as welcome relief to many across the town after JD Wetherspoon reiterated in January that they had no confirmed start date on when work would start on the pub.

Since the previous owners stopped trading last year, the building has stood empty.

Okehampton’s MP Mel Stride and Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade were among those to raise concern that the pub could potentially become an eyesore.

The White Hart, which is a listed building, is renowned as one of the longest established hotels in Devon and is a fine example of a 17th century coaching inn.

The White Hart was part of The Trafalgar Way — the historic route used to carry dispatches overland from Falmouth to the Admiralty in London, with the news of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade chairperson Jade Oliver said: ‘It will be fabulous to have a Wetherspoons open in Okehampton. It should draw people in from all over and hopefully have a knock-on effect and boost trade in the town as well.

‘The White Hart is an iconic building within Okehampton and it will be great to see it in use again, busy and helping improve footfall within the town centre.’

Central Devon MP Mel Stride has voiced his delight at the news. In January he raised concerns about the ‘impression that an empty pub in the middle of the town gives to visitors’.

Mr Stride said: ‘Having pressed Wetherspoons hard on this issue, I’m delighted with the news. Okehampton is growing as a business destination and having one of its most prominent pubs closed for a long period of time was giving the wrong impression about the vibrancy of the town. I look forward to having a pint there when it is open.’

The Times broke the news online on Monday and dozens of people shared their thoughts with us.

Hilary Eckleswood said: ‘Good news. High streets need to be open for business. Only problem is that they will attract people to Okehampton but many shops in our lovely town close or open at will or don’t stick to advertised opening times. Wetherspoons will ensure some businesses up their game and the well run businesses are sustainable.’

Jo Firbank said: ‘Good news, nothing worse than a closed down pub (making two) and let’s face it, the food and drinks are very affordable. Okehampton needs life and trade so I don’t mind if the high street gets a little rowdy.’

What are your thoughts on the news The White Hart will reopen in July? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook and Twitter, e-mail [email protected] or send a letter to Okehampton Times, 14 Brook Street, Tavistock, PL19 0HD