Published: Thursday, 25th June, 2009 1:00pm

Angling for pub support

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ANGRY punters devastated by the shock closure of a much-loved pub protested outside while workmen boarded it up.

Around 40 people held up posters and distributed poster stickers outside The Jolly Anglers in Newtown on Friday after its owners ordered its closure.

Five staff lost their jobs with eight hours" notice and, despite the protests, owner Enterprise Inns confirmed it has already completed the sale of the Kennetside pub.

Brian Jones, social secretary of the Reading and Mid Berkshire branch of Campaign for Real Ale, said: 'It is entirely possible, because Enterprise has done it to other pubs, that it will have put a restrictive covenant on the land saying that the new owners cannot use it as a pub for two years.

'It would take probably a couple of weeks to go through the Land Registry before we will know what"s happening.

'It could be challenged through the civil courts but that would be expensive.'

He added: 'I have heard there were people willing to buy the pub, but it seems Enterprise didn"t want to sell it to keep it open as a pub.'

Enterprise spokeswoman Vicky Averis refused to comment on whether a covenant had been put in place.

Jane Marsden, landlady of The Retreat in St John"s Street, joined the protest and said: 'We need more pubs here so people will come and visit - that"s what makes an area vibrant and thriving.'

Ward councillors and parliamentary candidates from across the political spectrum added their support.

Reading East Labour parliamentary candidate Anneliese Dodds said: 'Enterprise Inns" corporate social responsibility strategy states that the company 'recognises its duty to its shareholders to operate its business in an ethical and responsible manner".

'How on earth is chucking tenants out and sacking staff with eight hours" notice, responsible and ethical?'