Jolly upset as popular pub is forced to close

Published 18 Jun 2009 10:00 3 Comments

THEY arrived in droves for the wake of The Jolly Anglers.

Staff, regulars and neighbours were shocked at being given only hours" notice that the busy Newtown community pub was closing.

A wedding reception and birthday parties have been cancelled, along with a fundraising night aiming to make £3,000 for the Orchid Cancer Appeal.

But landlord John Westendorp, who lives upstairs, was only told at 2pm on Tuesday that he was losing his job and his home.

Holding company Tabbins Ltd manages the CAMRA-rated pub through Enterprise Inns, which is understood to be selling the site for housing.

But Mr Westendorp said: 'We are part of the community of Newtown. We are a meeting point and do a lot of fundraising.

'The idea is they"ve sold it to somebody who wants to turn it into housing, but we"ve got a very strong customer following.'

Customer Alex Rigby, 44, a school special needs support assistant, said: 'There are hundreds of flats round here. We don"t need more flats, we need what they are planning to take away.'

Cathy Marsden said: 'We don"t need more housing in the area. What we need is a nice small pub where real people can meet up, get to know each other, gain an understanding of other peoples" lives. Do something other than watch television; have human contact.'

Four staff have also lost their jobs and Mr Westendorp, who has managed the Kennetside pub since February, will also be missed by pensioners from nearby Weirside Court sheltered housing scheme who lapped up his VIP treatment.

Several arrived on Tuesday night in their mobility scooters and Bert Holloway, who was planning his 81st birthday party at the pub on Saturday week said: 'John looks after us really well here. I think the way they have treated him is awful.'

Wife Joyce, 84, added: 'We are devastated. We can come here for lunch and to get out. The old people adore coming here.'

Enterprise Inns spokeswoman Vicky Averis said: 'I can confirm a sale has been agreed.'

But Lib Dem councillor Gareth Epps vowed to block any planning application and added: 'This pub has been turned in just three months into a thriving community facility that is popular and much-loved.

'Enterprise Inns - notorious for its destruction of community pubs across the UK - has given this successful publican just a few hours" notice to shut. It is outrageous treatment of John and the Newtown community he serves.'

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 18 Jun 09

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