Backer of Stardust site pub rejects reopening claims

ONE of the financial backers of a newly refurbished pub that was picketed by relatives of the Stardust victims yesterday insisted it was never intended to have the premises’ reopening night on the anniversary of the tragedy.

Families who lost loved ones in the fire demonstrated at the site on Tuesday in protest at the venue which, it was understood locally, was due to reopen 25 years to the day after the disaster claimed 48 young lives.

Relatives expressed dismay and anger at the insensitivity of the plans, especially as the pub reverts back to being called Silver Swan - the name of the original pub that operated as part of the Stardust complex at the time of the fire.