Fuller's slammed over Gales closure

Fuller Smith and Turner's decision to close Gales brewery in Horndean, Hampshire, has been slammed as showing "contemptible disregard" for the brewer's supporters.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said Fuller's was shutting down the brewery on March 31 despite more than 150 years of brewing heritage and the signatures of more than 5,000 people on a petition aiming to keep the brewery open.

The decision has been widely expected since the London brewer took over Gales in a £91m deal last November.

CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner said: "This is a black day for the people of Wessex who fought so hard only to be let down so badly.

"We are appalled at Fullers decision. Thousands of supporters rallied behind the Wessex branches of CAMRA when a Save Gales Campaign was launched following the shock takeover announcement in November. But Fuller's has simply brushed the overwhelming public concern aside and continued with its own agenda."

Despite assurances from Fuller's that it would now brew the main Gales brands - HSB, Butser, Festival Mild and Prize Old Ale - at its brewery in Chiswick, West London, Mr Benner questioned whether the Gales ales had a long term future.

"Fullers justified the closure by saying it expects to make savings of around £3 million. This is a small amount to gain in return for destroying a century and a half of Hampshire's heritage and dealing a blow to all fans of Gales beers," he added. For more on CAMRA's campaign to keep Gales alive, visit www.savegales.org.uk