A LEADING figure in Derby's beer scene says he can stop a village pub becoming a funeral parlour by making it popular again.
Trevor Harris, owner of Derby Brewing Company, says the Wheel Inn in Findern – the last remaining pub in the village – "should not disappear".
Punch Taverns closed the pub in April and South Derbyshire District Council has given permission to Murray's Funeral Directors, of Burton, to convert it.
Mr Harris said: "I look at the Wheel and I think it could have a great future as a pub. I've got no bias with it being a funeral directors, it's just it should definitely stay as a pub. I'm amazed this has been allowed.
"It will not work as a funeral parlour. They will not be looking forward to business from their point of view because of the reaction we have seen.
"I would look at buying it. There is no reason why it can't be a Derby Brewing Company pub and we can make it special.
"I completely sympathise with how the people of Findern feel about this. I think they would be pleased if we were to buy it and would think it would be great.
"It should not disappear, but it has to stand on it's own two feet and I think it can."
Mr Harris's company owns, The Tap, in Derwent Street, The Greyhound, in Friar Gate, and the Queen's Head, in Little Eaton.
Mr Harris, who has been in the pub business for 33 years, said he has never come across such strong opposition to plans before.
He said: "I got my first pub in Herefordshire in 1981 and I know the importance of a village pub.
"We did not realise it was on the market and if we did we could have done something at the time.
"You only have to look at other pubs in the area like the Green Dragon, which has been a tremendous success. The Wheel can be the same.
"I have never seen anything quite like this in terms of strong opposition against these plans."
Martyn Ford, who represents Findern on the district council, was delighted Derby Brewing Company was showing interest.
He said: "This is extremely promising and would be a dream come true to us here in the village.
"The company is incredibly well respected and the thought of it being under their control is tremendous.
"If Murray's accepted, they would get great support from the village."
David Barke, from Murray's Funeral Directors, previously said: "We are continuing with our plans to refurbish our new premises.
"There is much to be done as the building was left in a poor state of repair. Once the renovations are completed, we look forward to playing an active role in the community for many years to come."
