THE trial of a woman accused of starting a fire which gutted the pub where she worked is due to start today.
Janet Kaye faces a charge of arson with intent to endanger life, following the fire in the Seven Stars pub, in Homend, Ledbury.
The historic 16th Century listed pub - one of the oldest in Herefordshire - was severely damaged by a fire in the early hours of Sunday, July 22, last year.
More than 70 firefighters from across the two counties were called to the blaze, which also damaged neighbouring buildings. It took seven hours to bring it under control.
The trial, due to start a year to the day since the fire happened, is scheduled to last for five days at the Shirehall, in Hereford.
It has already been postponed twice this year.
A spokesman for Punch Pubs Co, which owns the Seven Stars, said it had obtained the necessary planning permission for restoration work to go ahead and was awaiting the appointment of a contractor.
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