By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-03-18 22:46:19 | Updated at 2025-03-20 16:06:16
1 day ago
A couple have been forced to fight to keep a giant pirate ship in their back garden, with locals even vowing to "tie themselves" to the huge vessel.
Donna and Waine Hetherington - pub owners at the Dog and Duck in Prince of Wales Road - have been told by Tandridge District Council they need planning permission for the attraction, leaving the parents-of-four "heart-broken".
The council informed the duo that they require formal approval for both the pirate ship and a pop-up play area run by Extreme Fun.
The couple first collaborated with Extreme Fun three years ago to host family-friendly events in the field behind their pub, bringing the joy of bouncy castles, rock climbing walls and other activities to the town.
The pub owners are 'struggling' already
The events have proven popular with customers, with more than 958 people signing a petition to keep the pirate ship and Extreme Fun on site - attracting 700 individuals.
One supporter suggested on Facebook: "We can all tie ourselves to it and do a sitting protest."
Another commented: "This is outrageous! The kids love the pirate ship. Didn't the pub exist before the neighbour moved there??"
The brewery Hall & Woodhouse has agreed to assist with the planning application, which Donna estimates will cost around £1,500.
Mark James, business partnerships director at Hall & Woodhouse, said: "We are committed to supporting our business partners with guidance and financial assistance when required."
The Dog and Duck along the Prince of Wales Road
Google Street View
Donna and Waine Hetherington - pub owners at the Dog and Duck in Prince of Wales Road - have been told by Tandridge District Council they need planning permission for the attractions
Google Street View
The brewery has proactively engaged a planning consultant to provide advice on the matter.
However, processing the application could take time, causing Extreme Fun events to be delayed until a decision is made.
Donna said: "It is heart-breaking, first of all and we have really struggled, we are in the middle of nowhere off the beaten track, people don't come to us but as soon as the sun shine comes they do."
"We are known as a summer pub and we have got to make money in the summer, taking that away is going to make it impossible," she added.
