A DEBATE on whether Barnard Castle should have a Wetherspoons pub has reached a new level after two Facebook pages hit loggerheads over the idea.

The ‘We Want a Wetherspoons in Barnard Castle’ has gained more than 500 likes in support of the project after the company confirmed they were looking to open a branch in the town.

The page owner, who wanted to remain anonymous but has been living in the town for more than 40 years, said the move would benefit the town which needed a “shake up”.

“People against Wetherspoons coming to Barnard Castle in fear it will ruin local pubs and business is utter rubbish,” he said.

“Personally it will be good for the town, it will attract more people to venture out, create a great atmosphere and social gathering which will be good for the town.

“There are shops shutting all time in Barnard Castle and pubs struggling and that's without a Wetherspoons,” he added.

“If the town offered more trendy, clean and welcoming venues with drinks promotions, cheaper drinks and decent quality food then happy days, more people would venture out, that’s a fact.”

However, Mike Freeman, who set up the opposing group, ‘We don’t want a Wetherspoons in Barnard Castle’, which has more than 200 likes, said he started the group because he felt the chain was the wrong for the town.

“It’s a hot topic and people get angry about it but I started the group as a knee-jerk response to someone when I showed my disgust for it and they said everyone was in support of it which they clearly aren’t,” he said.

“Sure enough there are quite a lot of people who agreed.”

The 32-year-old also called arguments about bringing more visitors to the town “laughable” and said other pubs would be put out of business.

He added: “Personally I just think the Wetherspoon pubs are soulless, open plan halls which are more suited to airport departure lounges. I don’t think that’s the right thing for Barnard Castle.”

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We have been keen to open in Barnard Castle for many years.

“We are looking at a site but it is early days and we wouldn’t disclose any more details at this stage.

“The fact that there are Facebook groups discussing the matter shows the level of interest from both sides.”