A TYNEDALE pub is fearing for its future after missing out on a monetary lifeline from the Government because its value is rated £1 over the required threshold.

The Boatside Inn, at Warden, has been told it is not eligible for the Government’s coronavirus relief hospitality, grant despite lobbying the Treasury and Northumberland County Council for discretion.

Owner Matt Cawood was told by the county council that the pub was rated at £51,000 and therefore falls above the under £51,000 limit. The Government has said businesses with a property that has a rateable value of over £15,000 and less than £51,000 may be eligible for a grant of £25,000.

“I will have to look at folding the business or taking more money out of my personal debt,” Matt said.

“There’s no discretion shown at all. There’s around 250 pubs in the UK in the same position and we’re all pressuring the Government to change the rules.

“I don’t understand why there is a cut off for the hospitality industry regardless of rateable value.”

Matt currently employs 18 people, but is struggling to pay them and suppliers without an income.

He said: “I have to hope that this enforced closure does not drag on too long. The longer we’re closed the harder it is to make money.”

Matt said the pub was evaluated by the council’s valuation office, and moved to a higher value, before he took over the business in 2018.

“Other pubs in the local area are very much below the threshold. It makes no sense whatsoever why my rates have gone up,” he added.

Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman and his team have been working to support the pub. “It is incredibly frustrating that we are yet to find a solution to further assist this great local business – but I will not give up,” said Mr Opperman.