Thursday 5th March 2015

Beer lovers and their MP are raising a glass as councillors have agreed to grant a popular local pub protected status.



The Wellington, (above), on New Whittington's High Street, was brought by a property development company last year who expressed an interest in turning the site into a supermarket. The Wellington's regulars were up in arms over the proposals and formed a campaign group, 'Save Our Welly', to keep the building operating as a pub.

North East Derbyshire MP Natascha Engel, Save Our Welly went to Chesterfield Borough Council (story HERE) to press the authority to grant the pub Asset of Community Value (ACV) status.

Councillors agreed, so now the pub will be placed on a register of community assets which, if they are put up for sale, must be offered to community groups before being offered to the open market. The pub was also granted Article 4 direction - meaning councillors will get a say if a change of use is proposed.

Save Our Welly say that although securing ACV status is important in showing the value the community attach to the pub, their fight isn't over until the premises' owners drop their intention to turn the site into a supermarket.

Celebrating the news, Save Our Welly leader Viky Muddiman said: "We're delighted that The Welly has been granted ACV status. We need to keep this campaign running until we get a cast-iron commitment that The Welly will continue to be a pub."

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, say UK pubs are closing at rate of 31 per week, despite the £80,000 average each pub injects into its local economy annually.



Natascha Engel MP (above), said: "I am absolutely delighted for everyone in New Whittington. This result shows people power in action."

OTHER STORIES

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