Petition to save Ridley's swells

More than 2,500 people have signed an online petition calling for Greene King to reconsider its decision to close the Ridley's brewery, within five...

More than 2,500 people have signed an online petition calling for Greene King to reconsider its decision to close the Ridley's brewery, within five days of its launch. Beer drinkers from as far afield as Germany and Belgium and licensees are getting behind the Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) petition to keep the brewery in Essex open. Greene King purchased the company earlier this month and announced plans to close the 163-year-old brewery by the autumn.

CAMRA said the deal threatened consumer choice in the Ridley's hinterland of Essex and East Anglia and should be scrutinised by the Competition Commission. Many are fearing the end of some of Ridley's brands, including its IPA.

Mike Benner, CAMRA's chief executive, said: "Ridley's has been family owned since 1842, brewing excellent local beers. Greene King should reconsider its decision and sell the brewery as a going concern.

"More than 1,300 signed the petition in the first 24 hours. This shows that beer drinkers are concerned about losing a brewery that is part of Britain's brewing heritage, and the possibility of losing some popular beers brewed in Essex."

And it is not just CAMRA and customers alone who are concerned about the brewery's closure.

Russell Cliffe of the Cuckoo near Ingatestone, Essex, is licensee at one of the pubs purchased by Greene King.

He said: "I think the brewery should stay open - it's a historic site. It has been in this area for more than a hundred years. A lot of people like Ridley's IPA. All my customers would like the brewery to stay open.

"With the takeover it is inevitable that we are going to lose some of the beers."

Licensee Suzanne Carless of the Rose & Crown in Thaxted, Essex, is also disappointed at the brewery's closure.

She said: "I think it's a historic building and it's sad to lose it. I'm sorry to see the brewery close and some of the beers go."

Frances Brace, communications manager of Greene King, said: "Nobody wants to see breweries close, least of all brewers. Equally, nobody is queuing up to run breweries that are unviable. Sadly, with a cask beer market that is now half the size it was only nine years ago, the closure of some breweries is inevitable.

"The Ridley's board approached Greene King as a potential buyer in the belief that we would be the best company to look after its pubs, preserve some of its brands and treat its people fairly.

"We will honour our commitments by investing in the Ridley's pub estate, treating all employees fairly and keeping alive at least four of their beers by transferring brewing to Bury St Edmunds."