Middleton pub renamed... and local residents are not happy

A popular Middleton pub has been renamed after it was closed by licensing bosses, much to the dismay of local residents.

The Dusty Miller, on Middleton Way, reopened as The Edgar Wood on Sunday (8 July). It was closed temporarily by licensing bosses, believed to be due to several altercations earlier this year.

Local residents soon shared their disappointment over the name.

Colette Wagstaffe said: "The name is steeped in Middleton's history from its early beginnings when the Lords of the Manor lived at Middleton Hall, and owned an ancient corn mill on Mill Street (previously Miller Street) which the pub directly overlooked. This was before we even had a town centre in this area which was still part of the grounds of the Hall at that time. The site of the mill is now part of the 'so called' gardens and the pub is thought to go back as far as 1772. Middleton won't be Middleton without the Dusty Miller.”

Sheila Edna Fleet said: “It will always be called the Dusty to me.”

Dave and Emma Gralton asked: “Surely they shouldn’t be able to reopen in another name if the police closed it?”

Denise Garlak added: “I’m sure many will still call it the Dusty.”

Michelle Buttery commented: “The Dusty Miller is The Dusty Miller and no name change to Edgar Wood is going to make a difference.”

Ian Dunsford said: “I’m not sure how a name change will make the establishment any better. Good luck to them, but the Dusty will be sorely missed.”

The pub is understood to be subject to a full licensing review on 23 July, relating to local concerns over a number of weeks.

A spokesperson from Craft Union Pub Company, which runs the pub, said: “We can confirm the Edgar Wood, formally known as The Dusty Miller, is now open. We have worked closely with the local manager to maintain its highly regarded reputation and ensure the site continues to be a quality local pub at the heart of the community.

“Since opening last weekend, we have already received great feedback from the locals.”