After arson attack councillor asks owners 'tell us your plans' for mothballed Corby pioneer pub
After an arson attack at an iconic Corby pub, a town and unitary councillor has asked its brewery owners to share their plans for the mothballed hostelry and venue.
The Rockingham Arms – popularly known as The Rock – is owned by Tadcaster-based brewery Samuel Smith and has been closed for nearly a decade.
But on Saturday, (April 4), firefighters were called to a fire at the derelict pub in Studfall Avenue just before 5.20pm.
Northamptonshire Police is treating this fire as an arson attack after it was discovered wooden chairs and tables inside the building had been set alight.
Cllr Mark Pengelly (Lab) said: “I have been in touch with the owners. They don’t know what the long term plans are for it. I would like them to keep it open – anything apart from housing.
"There are no drinking establishments in the area except for The Rock.”
Built in 1955, the Rockingham Arms was a pioneer pub in the town, with spacious bars and lounge as well as a function room, set in a large garden.
Samuel Smith’s owner Humphrey Smith is known for his strict view of ‘traditional’ pub experiences with bans on modern technology – mobile phones and laptops – TVs and music, as well as enforcing a no-swearing policy.
Cllr Pengelly says he would like the building to be saved for the community.
He said: “What I would like to know are their plans for the building and for them to come and talk to the council.
"It’s an historic building and a beautiful pub.”
Samuel Smith’s, when contacted by The Northants Telegraph, said they had ‘no comment’ about the future of the pub.
Northamptonshire Police is treating the fire as arson and any witnesses or anyone with any information about the incident should call them on 101 quoting incident number 26000193150.