Swan swims against Lees tide of gloom

Sandra Lindley with boxer John Newell at the wan’s reopening

LEES village centre is alive and kicking — not dying.

So say Sandra Lindley and Osman Kovacevic, who have taken over the Swan pub in Lees High Street.

The friends are determined to reinvigorate the once-thriving pub.

Sandra (56) said: “We are hoping to start up a pool team and a darts and crib team as well as hosting live bands and functions. We are also looking to start serving food soon.

“I read in the Chronicle a few weeks ago about all the boarded up shops in the centre of Lees and Osman and myself want to change it.

“If we had not agreed to take over at the Swan it would have become another boarded-up property and we don’t want that to happen because it is a really good pub.”

Future Olympic hopeful John Newall, regarded as one of England’s best amateur light-heavyweight boxers, officially opened the pub on Friday before revellers enjoyed live music and a karaoke.