More than 1,300 pubs under threat, says CAMRA

More than 1,300 pubs are under threat from closure, says the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The consumer organisation is calling for communities to rally behind their local pub during Community Pubs Week (Feb17 to 24) as it says that 56 pubs a month are lost forever.

CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner said: "These damning new figures prove why CAMRA's Community Pubs Week is so important.

This is not a problem confined to rural areas. In fact the survey revealed that 80 per cent of pubs permanently lost are in urban areas.

"This is due in part to the high demand for housing that often means city and town residents have to watch their community pub ripped from them to make space for another soulless development."

CAMRA argues that many pubs are also being converted to restaurants, shops and offices. It believes pubs are a unique sector and therefore should be placed in a separate Use Class to other retail businesses.

Mr Benner added: "We can't allow ourselves to be in a situation where communities across the UK are without the amenity of a public house. At a time when more and more amenities are being lost it is time for licensees, residents and local authorities to make a stand."

CAMRA says that pubs are often permanently lost after the land or building is redeveloped for housing. CAMRA is lobbying MPs in an effort to have this loophole closed and is asking for all new large housing developments to include provisions for a pub.

The survey was compiled by CAMRA's branches UK wide giving details of pubs in their area that have been permanently lost and those that face permanent closure. as it says that 56 pubs a month are lost forever.