RED LION
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE NORTH-WEST WILTSHIRE BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE (CAMRA)
February 4th, 2008
PROPOSED CLOSURE OF THE RED LION PUB IN MELKSHAM
The North-West Wiltshire Branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) is perhaps best known for organising the popular annual Chippenham Beer Festival in April of each year. However, in common with all Branches of CAMRA across the country, they exist to support real ale and the opportunity to enjoy it in as many pubs as possible across the country.
North-West Wiltshire CAMRA has recently learnt that the owners of the Red Lion in Melksham, reputedly one of the oldest pubs in Wiltshire, want to close the pub and restrict its use i.e. not to be used as a pub and /or restaurant.
CAMRA understand that the pub is viable and has a good customer base. The pub has a long tradition of selling excellent real ales and has often featured in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide which is a trusty database of excellent real ale houses across the UK.
CAMRA understands that no planning application has yet been submitted to the local planning department but the local branch of CAMRA intends to oppose any such application with vigour.
CAMRA urges people to write to the Head of Planning at West Wilts DC, and tell them that they oppose the conversion of the pub to a private house, and that the council should point this out to anyone who asks about getting planning permission
West Wilts. District Council
Planning Department
Bradley Road
Trowbridge
BA14 0RD
Further details from:
Gareth MacDonald
Press officer
North-West Wiltshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
Tel:- 07771 808 006
Email :- nwwcamra@hotmail.co.uk