Call for pubcos help over flood-hit pubs

A trade chief has called for pubcos to freeze direct debit payments for licensees affected by the floods.

Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licenced Victuallers' Associations, has urged companies to help out tenants and lessees financially hit by the crisis.

The towns of Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Oxford, Abingdon, Reading and Bedford are some of the worst affected with pubs in these areas facing devastation.

"Pubcos should freeze people's direct debits as they won't be able to trade and won't have the money in the bank," said Payne.

He urged pubcos to think about offering a payment plan to licensees to take the sting out of other debts they will incur.

"It will take a while for licensees to get insurance through so that should be taken into account too."

Emergency services have warned the crisis is not over, with thousands of homes and businesses still without running water and more flooding expected in southern England.

Six severe weather warnings remain in place and water levels have yet to peak in the Pangbourne, Purley-on-Thames and Reading areas of Berkshire.

Let us know if you are having problems with the flooding​

Let us have your pictures from the scene. Email news@thepublican.com or call 0207 955 3714.

Send us your pictures, comments and video clips - text PUBS to 60300 including your name and a brief description of the picture or clip. Texts cost 25p plus your standard network charge.

Click on the right to see pictures of the flooded pubs.

• If you need help contact the Licensed Trade Charity on 01344884440.