A LANDLORD of a 15th Century inn has spoken of his dismay at being burgled but said he is determined to overcome the setback during a turbulent time for his industry.

Russell Claydon

A LANDLORD of a 15th Century inn has spoken of his dismay at being burgled but said he is determined to overcome the setback during a turbulent time for his industry.

Paul Ineson, who reopened the timber-framed Peacock pub in Chelsworth, near Hadleigh, after four months of it being vacant in December, has said he will fight back after robbers got away with his till takings at the end of last week.

In total around �400 was stolen after burglars smashed through a kitchen window to enter the Enterprise Inn's building where he lives.

“Because it is an oldy worldy pub it is not alarmed and this has been a bit of a nightmare really,” he said.

“I heard nothing. The police said if they had not found cash it could have been a lot worse and they could have come upstairs.

“I am 6ft 5ins and I can look after myself but the thought of someone coming up with my grandchildren asleep here horrifies me.”

He has now taken the decision to ban his family to come over, preferring to travel to see them.

But he is not prepared to let the incident affect his business and has a big night planned for his patrons Saturday when Ipswich-based band Picture House perform after a curry night.

He said: “We are fighting back and we are going to have a great time here on Saturday.

“It is difficult to make ends meet at the minute but we are doing our best. We must not let things like this get us down.”

More security measures for the pub are now being investigated to prevent a repeat incident.

The burglary took place between 11.30pm on Friday and 9.45am on Saturday. Anyone with information is asked to call PC Lucy Rout at Sudbury Police on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.