Louth pub back open after '˜vermin' problems

As reported previously, The Joseph Morton was forced to close its doors between Sunday evening and this morning due to the vermin problems.

Following unconfirmed reports of a rat being spotted in the building on Sunday evening (March 12), customers were evacuated from the premises and the restaurant was closed for the rest of the evening.

One customer, who did not wish to be named, said he saw a ‘rodent’ eating through the ceiling and plaster was dropping on to a table below.

He said: “I went for a closer look because I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, but then we were asked to leave.

“(A staff member) said it was for health and safety reasons and that we would have to leave until they have got rid of the rodent.”

Earlier this week, Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon told the Leader: “We have had issues with vermin at The Joseph Morton and as a result have closed the pub. Pest control experts have been to the pub in order to deal with the situation. We apologise to the pub’s customers.”

Mr Gershon said that all evacuated customers received a refund, and added: “They were all understanding of the situation and there were no issues.”

On Monday, East Lindsey District Council spokesman said that their Environmental Health team had received ‘no complaints from the community’ but would be making arrangements to contact the management and visit the premises in due course.