May 2023

The latest news from across our branch.

Latest Pub News

After a period of uncertainty, where there were 8 branch pubs in line for closure, sale, or a change of licensee, we re beginning to see some positive signs.
The Hare & Hounds, off Heath End Road, which closed at the end of January has reopened, with Tom Russett & Karen Warren at the helm.
The White Hart at Ridge Lane has also had a change of management, who have wasted no time in revitalising the village pub with a quick coat of paint and plans to reopen the kitchen.
Attleborough welcomes Michael Cooke to the Royal Oak who replaces Donna Rowntree.
Meanwhile, we say farewell to George & Laura Mumford from the Horseshoes who will be leaving the Everards owned pub after 4 1/2 years. We look forward to meeting the new tenants when they take over in early June.

All of which still leaves the Royal Oak , Hartshill, the Prince of Wales and the Travellers Rest, both in Bedworth and the Weavers Arms in Fillongley still looking for new management.

Latest National Campaign

A consultation from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities is designed to regenerate highstreets by making it easier for Local Authorities in England to bring vacant commercial property into use.

Of most concern to CAMRA is the proposal around permitted development rights; a lease from the Local Authority would come with permitted development rights for between 1-5 years and allow conversion to Class E use. This covers a range of typical high street uses including shops, cafes, or office space and would likely require extensive refurbishment from pub use.

At the end of the lease, there is the potential for temporary permitted development to become permanent conversion. One concern here is that this may be especially likely to be granted for a pub that has had its internal fittings removed within the original lease period. Additionally, Class E gives a permitted development route to residential conversion.

The consultation is open now and will run until 23 June 2023.

CAMRA’s campaigning position,

CAMRA will be calling for High Street Rental Auction proposals to be amended so that existing planning protections for pubs are retained. This may be an opportunity to see more town centre pubs bought into community use, which would be a positive step given that community pubs are often perceived as a rural phenomenon. Where owners are reluctant to open a pub, or have made claims about its lack of viability, High Street Rental Auctions could help bring the venue into use.
Further details can be found at: https://camra.org.uk/saveourpubs

Or you can contact your local MP direct, from this link: https://camra.e-activist.com/page/128358/action/1

At this stage it is vital that as many people as possible email their MPs about High Street Rental Auctions to support the campaign.

Vacancies:

still exist for the following:

Treasurer - to look after the financial aspects of the branch.
Magazine distributor(s) – to deliver the branch magazine to Stockingford / Bedworth / Bulkington / Attleborough areas.
Pubs Officer(s) – to liaise with ALL publicans in the branch area and update CAMRA’s Pub database.
GBG (Good Beer Guide) Co-Ordinator – to ensure CAMRA’s pub database is up to date.
Social Secretary – to organize and publicize branch social events and monthly meetings.

If you are interested in any of the above positions, please contact: ku.gro.armac.notaenun@ofni