Heswall's new Spoons will not be derailed by recent poor sales and debt at pub chain J D Wetherspoon

Yesterday's reports that plans for new J D Wetherspoon pubs are 'on hold' because of poor pandemic sales and mounting company debt do not have implications for Heswall's new Spoons.

The site of the former Exchange bar is currently home to extension and refurbishment works, part of the company's expansion plan drawn up to build 18 new pubs, upgrade some existing sites, and create 2000 jobs.

However, speaking to Sky News yesterday, Spoons boss Tim Martin said Wetherspoon would wait for sales to get back to normal as COVID restrictions are relaxed before "we really, really go for it".

Mr Martin - who has also revealed he has COVID - said Wetherspoon lost £250 million in the last two years and is carrying £800 million debt which "has to give us pause".

Though the rollout of more new pubs might be slowed down, the 18 proposed new outlets - 15 in Britain and three in Ireland - appear to be unaffected.

Mr Martin, the architect of cheaper beer, has also accused Boris Johnson of "hypocrisy" following the allegations of boozy parties at 10 Downing Street during lockdown.

Brexit-supporting Mr Martin, who in the past referred to the Prime Minister as a "winner", believes that pubs should have been left open during lockdown because of the "social and health benefits" for those of us who "don't or can't attend private parties".

Amid this uncertainty - and a little bit of rancour - a spokesperson for J D Wetherspoon has reassured Heswall Nub News that our new pub - which will be called The Prense Well - (click or tap here to find out where the name comes from) - is progressing as planned and on schedule to open in the not too distant future.

Eddie Gershon said: " Work is going well on the new pub for Heswall.

"It's set to open on May 17, with the creation of more than 50 jobs.

"We are looking forward to opening the pub and believe it will be a great asset to the area.

"Hopefully our investment will act as a catalyst for further investment in Heswall."