THERE’S a fascinating debate raging among those who use the social networking site Twitter as to the merits of whether the opening in a town by pub co Wetherspoons is a positive attribute or not.

THERE’S a fascinating debate raging among those who use the social networking site Twitter as to the merits of whether the opening in a town by pub co Wetherspoons is a positive attribute or not.

Too late for Wisbech, of course, who have had Wetherspoons for some time and too late, from this week, for Whittlesey where the company is set to re-open the George as a ‘stack ‘em high, sell ‘em cheap’ offer on both food and beverages.

Shortly it may be too late for March, following the news this week that the Petrou Brothers have exchanged contracts, but not completed the sale of the former Hippodrome Bingo Club to the pub co.

The Petrou brothers gave it their best shot, spending money following their purchase of the Hippodrome from Norman Jacobs, but both now accept they were na�ve in their expectations for it, and na�ve in their understanding of gaming laws which would have allowed bingo to continue there under their stewardship.

Ironically we understand the brothers had an earlier opportunity to sell the building to Wetherspoons and declined, hoping to create a community venue that included bingo but also major events and community activities.

They misread the market, fell victim to the economic climate, and will now suffer the inevitable financial consequences of what has probably become a ‘forced market’ sale.

The Petrou family has played an outstanding and often low key, role in promoting, supporting and providing for local voluntary groups and schools and long may that continue.

That they are bouncing back from a business mishap is no reason to gloat but is, in fact, a commendable statement of their family spirit and determination.