The Mayor of Kenilworth has defended the "vibrant and caring" community of the town after an angry pub owner blamed local residents for the closure of his business.

The owner of the Cottage Inn on Stoneleigh Road had said the town's "small minded attitude" had prevented his pub from ever getting off the ground.

Mick Griffin said: "Its an uphill battle and frankly they're taking the mick. I don't think they will ever accept us because we are not one of them."

But Cllr Peter Jones has pointed to the number of new businesses, started by non-residents, that are now flourishing.

"Many small businesses have established and thrived in Kenilworth," he said.

"Some are owned and run by new entrants to the town, including coffee shops, food stores and restaurants.

"Most of these have had to contend with lockdowns and loss of trade but have survived and deserve our support."

The Cottage Inn has closed its doors just six months after reopening under new owners.

Mr Griffin, who runs three successful pubs in Coventry and Leamington, said it was the location and the people that were the problem.

"I have given up with their small town attitude, let them get on with it. I run three successful venues doing the same thing, so there is nothing wrong with the business model, its just the place," he said.

But Cllr Jones refuted the claims that people in Kenilworth just want to criticise and put other people down.

"While there may have been some critical, even negative, voices, there is much to be proud of in Kenilworth," he said.

"Volunteers have staffed Compassionate Kenilworth, an organisation which looks after those who have been badly affected by the Covid outbreak, the Kenilworth Centre is part of a district foodbank and local churches also care for those in need.

"I accept that it is not easy to start and run a new business in Kenilworth, as elsewhere, but there is much to commend and to appreciate in our town.

"My wife, Jenny, and I chose to live here and see it as a vibrant, caring community."