MP horrified by Greyhound closure (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats <info@cheltlibdems.org.uk>

MP horrified by Greyhound closure

February 4, 2009 5:41 PM

Martin Horwood with his family outside the Greyhound.

CHELTENHAM MP Martin Horwood was shocked today by the news that the Greyhound Inn will close.

Martin said, 'I am horrified at the probable loss of the Greyhound Inn in Hewlett Road following today's planning decision that gives the green light for the pub to be demolished and replaced with flats.'

'Despite a unanimous council planning committee vote against development a planning inspector has ruled that the pub can close.'

This closure would be very disappointing for Whaddon, as the Greyhound Inn is a very popular local pub. This possible action is part of a wider problem in Cheltenham and across the country. Pubs are now closing at a rate estimated at 39 pubs a week and rising.

Today in parliament, Martin supported the launch of a new All Party Group called 'Save the Pub', which aims to work alongside the pubs industry, trade associations and pressure groups to raise the challenges and issues facing publicans and pubs. One of the focuses will be changes to planning law to properly recognise the importance of and to offer more protection to pubs faced with closure.