Campaign launched to re-open 'Tolkien' pub

Pub lovers are backing a campaign to return a pub once popular with Lord of the Rings writer JRR Tolkien to its former glory.

The Community Alert on Pubs group is hoping to re-open the Grade-II Listed Three Cups Hotel in Lyme Regis, West Dorset, which was where Tolkien is believed to have penned much of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

The pub, which also featured in the film The French Lieutenant's Woman is owned by Palmers Brewery but has been shut for 20 years.

John Grantham, founder of the campaign hit out at the brewery and the West Dorset District Council for allowing the pub to become a health and safety hazard.

"There remain loose tiles waiting to be blown off. Neighbours say there are slates and bits dropping off the building regularly," he said.

"Palmers has refused for 10 years to talk with the villagers or to discuss purchase bids."

At a meeting held on Friday 150 residents backed the group's calls for the council to take control of the pub under compulsory purchase law.

The campaign is also trying to reopen the Old Swan in at Toller Porcorum, and The White Hart at Beaminster, both owned by Palmers.

Mr Grantham added pubs remained a vital part of the community.

"Of course some pubs will go to the wall. But where there is a community need everything under the sun should be tried to save them because pubs bring people together.

"They help promote responsible drinking and stop people tanking up on cheap supermarket booze at home."

A spokesman from West Dorset District Council said: "The building is in private ownership and the district council's role is to ensure it presents no danger to the public. If found to be necessary, the council will use enforcement powers to require the owners to make the building safe.

"To date the owners have complied fully with our requirements. The council has no plans to use compulsory purchase powers to acquire this building."

The Publican ​contacted Palmers Brewery but they declined to comment.

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