A top Cheshire hospitality company who two prestigious establishments in the Congleton area are taking a tough stance against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Pear Hospitality, owners of the Lion & Swan in Congleton, Peck's in Brownlow Heath, and The Wheatsheaf in Sandbach have pulled the plug on Gazprom.

The Russian majority state-owned multinational energy corporation with a HQ in Saint Petersburg, had fuelled the Congleton business on Swan Bank.

Managing Director, Jake Pear, said in an open letter: "Along with many others over recent days, we have watched the events unfolding in Ukraine with horror and outrage.

"We are saddened that such a crisis can occur in today's society. Whilst there is not much we can do to make a tangible difference, we reflected upon how we operate our businesses and there is something that we felt we must change.

"We have used Gazprom Energy to supply gas to our businesses for many years. We have served notice to terminate all accounts with Gazprom and will be moving to an alternative supplier.

"As a company, we agreed that staying in contract with Gazprom would be to finance the Russian Federation, albeit in a very small way. We hope that the business community can stand in solidarity with us in this decision.

"We watch with hope that the Ukraine remains a sovereign state and independent and above all, the people of Ukraine find safety."

The decision has met with applause from their customers who are hoping more business will follow suit and sever any Russian links.

One customer commented: "Hope more companies take your lead – I am impressed", another said: "Well I hope more companies follow suit, including BP!".

Another summed up the move to find an alternative non-Russian gas supplier saying: "Little steps make huge things. Well done."

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