MP and CAMRA fight to save pub

A campaign to save a pub described as a 'jewel in the crown' has been launched by an MP and CAMRA members.

A petition launched by Bristol North West MP Charlotte Leslie to save the Lamplighters pub in the city's Shirehampton area has already been signed by more than 200 people.

Campaigners, including the Bristol & District CAMRA group, are urging landlords Enterprise Inns to offer the pub at a "realistic price" and are hoping a consortium of residents and businesses will be given the chance to take it on.

Bristol & District CAMRA Pubs Campaigning Group chairman Peter Bridle said the pub has "massive potential" being based on a quiet stretch of river, close to the railway station, park, playground and park and ride service.

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

"The local area is not blessed with many pubs and the Lamplighters has the capacity to cater for the whole community including families."

Leslie said the pub was an "almighty success story waiting to happen for anyone with the vision and capital to do it".

She added: "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."

Enterprise Inns said a decision on the pub's future had yet to be made.

A statement from the company said: "Enterprise Inns is currently in dialogue with a variety of stakeholders while we explore all the options for the Lamplighters in Bristol and have not yet made a firm decision."

Leslie has set up an online petition at www.savethelamplighterspub.bristolpetitions.com