BARNARD CASTLE could soon get a Wetherspoon's pub.

Company spokesman, Eddie Gershon, confirmed they are “interested in the town” and are currently looking at potential sites.

Mr Gershon said he wouldn’t comment on individual sites unless a deal is agreed but town councillors and businesses are already speculating on whether it would benefit the town which is already home to eight pubs.

Treasurer of the Barnard Castle Business Guild and owner of The Golden Lion, Sandra Wilkinson, said: “In terms of being for the town it would probably be a good thing because it offers variation and value food but in terms of the businesses I would not be happy because they are going to undercut everybody.

“We have got eight pubs already so it will be one versus eight and damage pub trade.”

Barnard Castle town councillor Tom Deacon said: “One of the things I do like about our town is that one of the big attractions is that the vast majority of shops and pubs are independent and that adds to the character of the town.

“A lot of people visit the tow for that reason and I do have concerns when our town starts to become more like every other high street.

“However, when you are in a free market economy that’s just the world you live in.”