Pub is the Hub may help Welsh regions

The Welsh Assembly Government is considering plans to support the Prince Charles-backed scheme that helps regenerate rural pubs.

Pub is the Hub has submitted a draft plan to the Assembly suggesting how it can help pubs diversify and offer new income streams.

This follows a year-long study by a 17-strong regional Pub is the Hub advisory group, chaired by SA Brains chief executive Scott Waddington. It includes other pub company bosses and Elin Jones, Welsh Minister for Rural Affairs.

The draft plan, Rural Pubs and Services Strategy for Wales, suggests how different projects should be supported in different Welsh regions.

It urges against pubs being hit by big business rate hikes for adding vital new services.

The ultimate aim is to secure funding from the Welsh Assembly, mirroring action by regional development agencies in England.

Pub is the Hub co-ordinator John Longden said: "They've tapped into our five years of experience with Pub is the Hub and asked how we can help in Wales.

"We will sit down with the Welsh Assembly Government and hopefully move forward with projects that suit the various locations across Wales."

A Welsh Assembly spokesman confirmed the development. "The Welsh Assembly Government is already looking at the Pub is the Hub initiative," he said. "We welcome any proposals that help keep our communities alive and vibrant."

Last week Welsh Assembly member Nick Bourne called for Pub is the Hub to be active in response to the closure of rural post offices.

He told the Assembly: "Our post offices and other local services are facing extinction. The country pub is disappearing as well in many areas.

"We have a great opportunity here. Not only will this secure the future of essential services in our communities, it will bring together many sections of society."