Funding to protect heritage pubs needs to be matched by money to save community locals - CAMRA

Commenting on the launch of a new UK Government Heritage Revival Fund today, Chair of CAMRA’s Pub Heritage Group Paul Ainsworth said:

“CAMRA warmly welcomes this new fund which will help communities bid for funding to breathe new life into closed, derelict or at-risk heritage pubs. We believe that pubs in nationally important buildings, or with historic interiors, need to be protected both as buildings which tell us about our national story, but also as thriving pubs acting as the beating heart of communities today.

“The Government also need to provide funding to save under-threat locals that aren’t classed as heritage pubs. There are more than 200 community-owned pubs in the country, where previously struggling pubs have been taken over and run for the people, by the people.

“But those looking to take over their local as a community owned pub if it is under threat of closure or conversion need to be able to access advice, support and funding to make sure bids are successful, securing the pub at the heart of community life for decades to come. Since the Community Ownership Fund closed last year, no such funding has been available. The Government should urgently create a new funding stream so that communities can save their local pub.”

Ends

Notes to editors

The Government’s announcement about additional funding for heritage buildings including pubs is here.