Enterprise urged to save 'jewel in the crown'

24-Aug-2010 - Last updated on 27-Aug-2011 at 08:12 GMT

Lamplighters: campaign to save the pub

A Bristol MP and Campaign for Real Ale branch have pleaded with Enterprise Inns to save a "jewel in the crown" of the local pub scene.

A Bristol MP and Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) branch have pleaded with Enterprise Inns to save a "jewel in the crown" of the local pub scene.

Enterprise's Lamplighters in Shirehampton was closed earlier this year.

Charlotte Leslie, MP for Bristol North West, and the Bristol & District CAMRA Pubs Campaigning Group urged Enterprise to either re-open the 18th century pub or offer it at a "realistic price" to someone who'll take it on.

A statement from Leslie and the CAMRA group say they will be contacting local businesses and residents to measure interest in setting up a consortium to run the pub.

The MP is to meet Ian Bruce from Enterprise on Wednesday to discuss the issue.

Bristol & District CAMRA Pubs Campaigning Group chairman Peter Bridle said: "The Lamplighters is no ordinary pub, it has massive potential.

"It is set in a fantastic location on the riverside in quiet surroundings within a minute's walk of the railway station and close to a park and ride bus service. The pub has extensive premises located over three storeys, a car park and a fantastic garden.

"I have no doubt that the pub can be a very successful and viable business serving the local community.

"The pub needs to be maintained as there already appears to have been a few acts of vandalism against the building. We urge Enterprise Inns to act quickly as clearly there are many people in the local neighbourhood who are missing their local."

Leslie said: "It would be a travesty and a tragedy if what should be a jewel in the crown of Bristol pubs was snatched from the local community for the sake of a sale and a quick buck.

"I will be doing everything I can with CAMRA, Enterprise Inns and the local community to ensure that doesn't happen, and that the historic Lamplighters lives up to its name to become a 'beacon' of Bristol's pubs."

An Enterprise spokesman said: "Enterprise Inns is currently in dialogue with a variety of stakeholders whilst it explores all options for the Lamplighters in Bristol and has not yet made any firm decision."

The Conservative MP has set up a petition at www.savethelamplighterspub.bristolpetitions.com.