Councils bid to get involved in fight to save local pubs

Jan 2 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

COUNCILS could offer a lifeline for the local pub.

Authorities such as Kirklees and Calderdale could be given new powers in 2010 to help them fight to save pubs which are vital to communities.

The moves are being led by the Local Government Association, the umbrella group for councils across the UK.

And it has the backing of trade groups within the licensing industry.

Their proposal was put to Communities Secretary John Denham today under the terms of the 2007 Sustainable Communities Act.

That allows councils to put forward ideas for new laws that they think will improve life in their area.

The scheme is based on proposals put forward by Newcastle-upon-Tyne City Council and Ryedale District Council which would give local authorities the power to remove “restrictive covenants” which are imposed by major brewery companies to prevent properties which they sell reopening as pubs.

It was selected by the Local Government Association for inclusion on a shortlist of proposals for consideration by Mr Denham, who will make the final decision on whether to implement them.

In Huddersfield, a number of pubs have closed over the last two years.

Village locals such as The Red Lion at Lockwood, The Badger at Bradley and The Post Office and Warren House in Milnsbridge have all been shut down and boarded up.