Hopes raised for shut Cumbrian pub

By Phil Coleman

Last updated at 12:43, Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Hope may be on the horizon for a country pub which has been closed for more than a year.

Philip Tuer

Residents of Warwick on Eden have raised concerns with Carlisle MP John Stevenson that the Queens Arms may be deteriorating.

But a director of Thwaites Brewery has suggested that there could yet be a new lease of life for the community hub.

Andrew Buchanan, director of operations at Thwaites, said: “We’re working with a prospective new tenant to restore and reopen the Queens Arms.

“We’ve in the very early stages but if we can secure planning permission and a formal contract is agreed with the tenant, we will jointly invest £350,000 in this project.

“Timings are dependent on planning consent but we’re keen to see the pub refreshed and opening its doors to the public.”

The pub is another in a long line of Cumbrian pubs that have faced difficulties and had to call time for the last time.

It has been suggested that cheap alcohol from supermarkets, combined with the recession, has left village pubs struggling to compete.

Mr Buchanan’s comments come after Mr Stevenson agreed to meet locals and city councillor Barry Earp to find a way of bringing the pub back into use.

Mr Stevenson said: “The village pub is usually the hub of a community – it’s a place where people go to socialise and relax.

“I have called this meeting with the local councillor to speak to residents and see if we can come up with a solution which may result in the pub being opened again.”

Philip Tuer, from the Solway Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said that there are some pubs in the county where landlords felt they were doing well if they worked 80 hours a week and were earning £1 a week.

“There are some pubs in Carlisle where the rent is £1,000 a week”, he said.

The meeting will be held this evening at Warwick on Eden Memorial Hall at 5.30pm, and all residents are invited to attend.

First published at 11:43, Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk