WEST Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has stepped into the controversy surrounding Watchet’s now-closed Anchor Inn.

He is demanding a site meeting with the rating authorities to convince them that it is no longer a working pub.

The near-derelict building, which sold its last pint three years ago, has been bought by Watchet businessman Neil Wilson, who intends to convert it into a museum, café and small theatre.

But the HMRC Valuation Office Agency has insisted that the building is rated as a hotel until the new project is up and running.

It has refused to allow a zero rating while conversion work is being done.

Since the Free Press first reported Mr Wilson’s plight four weeks ago, a rate demand for £22,000 has been cut to £12,000 and a court summons for rates arrears has been withdrawn.

But he is still being asked to pay a rates bill of over £6,000.

“How could anyone imagine this is a working hotel?", said Mr Liddell-Grainger. "It is a building site with work in progress and the rates should be suspended until the work is done.

“This has been terribly badly handled by the rating authorities and I am appalled by what has been going on and what Neil has had to put up with.

“This is a valuable tourist project for the town which should be treated in a sensible manner. I am at a loss to imagine how things have got to this state.

“I want a site meeting with all the authorities involved and have already contacted the Valuation Office about this. Neil should not be paying rates on this property.”