St Albans News

CAMRA's plea to save historic pubs across the country and in St Albans

By Manisha Mistry

1:30pm Friday 27th January 2012

CAMPAIGNERS are calling on the Government to save historic pubs across the country, including many in St Albans and Harpenden, following new figures which reveal the threat of closure hanging over them.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has highlighted the risk to suburban and rural pubs after figures complied by CGA Strategy show 16 pubs close across Britain every week.

Iain Loe, member of the south west branch of CAMRA, said in places such as St Albans, which has a vast majority of historic pubs and former coaching inns, the threat of pubs closing is worrying.

With pubs such as the Black Lion Inn, in Fishpool Street, having planning permission to covert the building into homes - it highlights how many landlords are struggling to survive.

Mr Loe said: "It is worrying and there are a few question marks over what will happen to suburban pubs not just in St Albans, but across the country.

"Although the Black Lion has planning permission approved the owner insists there are no plans to close at the moment, but it's a possibility in the future. Also there were rumours The Verulam Arms in Lower Dagnall Street was not going to reopen, but it has been given a new lease of life and it just shows how things can be turned around."

Last year CAMRA objected to the loss of the Bell Pub in Chequers Street, which is due to open next week as a Jamie's Italian restaurant, and Mr Loe has highlighted how it was one of the few remaining coaching inns in St Albans.

He added: "We would have liked to have seen it retained as a pub because too many are being transformed into posh eateries."

Mr Loe said competition is not always bad for business and can often attract people to an area. He said in many cases suburban and rural community pubs are hit by high taxes.

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