Trader vows to quit in pub row

By dnichols

A BUSINESSMAN has pledged to shut up shop and leave Langport in protest after church leaders were given the go-ahead to convert one of the few remaining pubs in the town.

Bookseller Clive Keeble is so angered by South Somerset District Council's decision to approve plans for the Old Custom House Inn, that he says he will move from Cheapside as soon as his lease runs out.

Last Wednesday the area north committee unanimously approved a planning application by Huish Episcopi and Langport Education and Resource Trust despite objections from residents and Langport Town Council.

The charitable trust, responsible for churches in the Langport district, bought the derelict building last March and a team, lead by Rector, the Rev Hugh Ellis, has been working to transform it into a community hub to be known by its previous name of The Angel.

Determined to retain the premises as a traditional pub, Mr Keeble set up the www.save-the-angel.com website and sent a 111-signature petition to the district council objecting to the various alterations, including its change of use.

He gained support from the Somerset branch of beer campaign group CAMRA and the town council also protested when it discussed the issue last year.

Mr Keeble, 64,, who has run Keeble Antiques in the town for five-and-a-half years, said: "Words fail me. I am furious. We have been seriously let down by both planners and district councillors who have not taken onboard the feelings of local people.

"I will not stay in south Somerset, where the district council has not paid any attention to what the people who live and work in the town have to say. The decision is totally detrimental to traders and an insult to ratepayers."

The plans include knocking down a single-storey lean-to extension and staircase, turning the bar store and a gents' toilet into offices and converting the ladies' toilet and kitchen into a bookshop and lettable retail premises. The back room will become toilets with a wheelchair-friendly lift.

The revamped building would offer a variety of activities and services including a pub, cafe, church meetings and youth drop-in centre.

Mr Ellis, churchwarden Clive Sills and team administrator Anona Hawkins told councillors in the Edgar Hall, Somerton, last week how they hoped the community would be involved in running the hub.

Town councillor and long-term resident Paddy Mounter said there had been an overwhelming amount of objection by residents. He described how Langport was once famous for its 30 pubs but now only a couple remained.

Ward member Roy Mills said the concerns of the town council were not planning issues and, therefore, irrelevant.

He said: "I want the church and town council to work together on this one and I support the officer's recommendation of approval."

Councillor Rupert Cox also supported the proposal but raised issue with the managing of the project which will involve a youth facility, bar, business and religion all under one roof.

After the verdict Mr Ellis said: "I am delighted and encouraged by the decision and glad the district council understood the project and what we are trying to achieve. I still believe we can offer a community-run pub for the town and work with local leaders and authorities. I have asked those who want to retain the pub to help run it so we can all work together."

Grants will now be sought to make the project a reality.