Pub protesters' jolly picnic

Rose Harland • Published 23 Jul 2009 07:00 0 Comments

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CAMPAIGNERS trying to get to get shut pub The Jolly Anglers back on tap held a protest picnic.

They are also sending in Chronicle protest coupons and have launched a website backing the popular pub in Kennetside, Newtown, which shut without notice on June 16.

Owner Enterprise Inns sold it three days later to an unnamed buyer, with a restrictive covenant which says it must be used for housing.

Protesters have taken heart because the new owner's agent says if council planners reject a housing application then the covenant could be lifted.

At Sunday's picnic, Newtown local Adrian Evans said: "There was an excellent turnout in spite of the weather.

"We got well over 100 signatures. Some were passersby but many also had received a street party leaflet or read about it and come down especially to sign it."

Green party campaigner Rob White added: "Having 50 to 100 people turn up shows what strong local support there is for getting the pub reopened."

The picnic was also part of The Big Lunch project to encourage community spirit and featured skiffle band The Black Diamonds, accompanied by Colm Daly and Peter Crowther.

Email cathymars@yahoo.co.uk to join the campaign.

There is a Facebook group and the new website is www.reopenthejollyanglers.co.uk

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 23 Jul 09

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