VILLAGERS whose 14th Century local watering hole was damaged by a fire, may have their thirst temporarily quenched in a barn belonging to the pub.
Around 50 firefighters attended the fire, which broke out at around 11.50am at The Fleece Inn, in Bretforton, near Evesham, last Friday.
The National Trust, which owns the picturesque pub, is working with the landlord Nigel Smith on the possibility of using the barn as a temporary drinking place, while looking at the possibility of restoring and re-opening The Fleece.
Ignited
"We are supporting Nigel Smith, who is strongly pursuing the prospect of using the barn as a temporary inn for the villagers, providing it can be licensed and agreed with planners and insurers," said Ben Shipston, area manager for Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire National Trust.
The fire was thought to have started from a spark from an open fire, which then ignited in the chimney.
Most of the thatched roof, also made from Cotswold stone, and the first floor was left severely damaged.
The Trustees are due to meet on Thursday, March 18 and will make a decision on the restoration of The Fleece at that time.
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