'Support us or lose us': Frustrated Northampton pub landlord's passionate open letter to Boris Johnson

A frustrated pub landlord from Northampton has written a passionate open letter to Boris Johnson begging for support during the coronavirus lockdown.

Paul Tyrrell, from The Wheatsheaf in Dallington, wants the Government to give the leisure industry more help and some clarity about when they will be able to reopen.

The publican says his grant has dried up and is constantly worried about how he is going to make ends meet unless they get more support.

"I am writing to you as a publican but also as a family man and homeowner. The reason for this letter is to let you know how broken I am," his letter starts.

"I know as one man I make little difference to you or the Government but I assure you my situation echoes many and we need to be heard so I decided to be the one to shout out."

Paul has only been running The Wheatsheaf since last June but already considers his staff and regulars as his extended family.

Like every other pub, bar and restaurant across the country, The Wheatsheaf shut up shop at the end of March following advice from the Government.

Paul has received a central grant to help cover costs while the pub is closed but he says there is no money left as he felt advised that the lockdown would only last for three weeks.

He is worried about taking out a coronavirus business interruption loan as having more debt will affect his future ability to pay his staff and his mortgage.

"We are in limbo, you constantly say our industry will be one of the last to reopen but offer no support for this, you extend lockdown but not your support for us," his letter reads.

"I, like many others, have zero income but I still have my family to feed, my house to run and my business still has bills that need to be paid.

"My staff are furloughed but if we do not know when we will open they will lose their jobs there will be no way of avoiding it, it is the same for all of us out here waiting."

Paul said his moods have been affecting his family as he stresses about the future of the pub and his livelihood, feeling like he has 'no purpose' at the moment.

Talking to the Chronicle & Echo, Paul said writing the letter was initially a way to cope with his emotions and it has helped a little, especially hearing from other landlords that feel the same.

"I don't usually share things but people need to know how things are as I know I'm not the only landlord feeling like this," he said.

"I don't know how much difference it will make, one man's story, but it could be the pebble that starts off something bigger to convince the Government to do more."

Paul ends his letter with: "Support us or lose us. We are your country's economy. Without us you have no tourism, you have no christenings, no weddings, no wakes.

"We are the people you turn to in times of celebration in times of need we have always been here and want to continue to be here. We are a pub!"