BAKE Off star Paul Hollywood has slammed "vindictive locals" in a row over his wife's plan to turn a 600-year-old pub into a home. Paul's wife Melissa has been given permission to transform the historic Chequers Inn after a tense planning meeting. 3 Paul Hollywood with his pub landlady wife Melissa Credit: Getty 3 The couple have been given permission to turn the historic Chequers Inn into a home Credit: UKNIP 3 Paul blasted 'vindictive locals' who opposed the plans Credit: BBC The pub is one of only two left in the Kent village of Smarden - and fuming locals said it is a "heritage asset".
Celebrity baker Paul told the BBC : "The vindictiveness from the locals towards the family who have been here 18 years is unforgivable. "If the villagers themselves want to get their act together and put a bid in and buy it, that’s fine. "At the end of the month it’s earmarked to close because they cannot sustain it - there's no money coming in.
Read More TV 'SEX ATTACK' Huw Edwards 'sexually assaulted man in toilet after sending sordid messages' I'M A CELIBACY Controversial Channel 4 dating show for VIRGINS finally given green light "I'm not a charity. It is a beautiful pub but it is a business that is losing money." Paul dismissed an offer he had received for the pub a few months ago as "not realistic".
Speaking at the planning meeting, Paul said: "The last six months has shown us the worst in people’s behaviour." The Bake Off star added: "The personal insults and attacks have been .