THE LAST remaining pub in a West Malvern village which has been described as a ‘rare treasure’ has been protected from future developments.
Fears were raised as the current landlady at the Brewers Arms, Sue Adamson, is set to retire in September so regulars applied to Malvern Hills District Council to have the site listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
And at West Malvern Parish Council’s annual meeting last Monday (April 13) it was confirmed the Lower Dingle site had received ACV status.
Mark Haslam, press co-ordinator for West Midlands Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), attended the meeting and said the move will reduce the risk in the long-term for development and change.
“This is very much a community pub and we all appreciate that,” he said.
“It has been the village pub for generations and it plays a key role in this community and in our lives.
“The Brewers Arms is a very rare treasure and one I think is precious and worth the effort to go down this route.”
Under the ACV scheme if the owners of the building put it up for sale, they are obliged to allow a six-month waiting period to give community groups a chance to raise funds to buy it.
The listing comes after another pub in the area, the Lamb Inn, was closed down and the site has now been granted for a housing development, which Sarah Rouse, of the parish council, said she was keen not to see happen.
John Raine and Julian Roskams, Green Party candidates for West Malvern, were also glad to see the pub receive protected status.
Mr Raine said: “The Brewers Arms has always been at the heart of the West Malvern village and it is vital every effort is made to ensure it remains open not only for community use, but for the many walkers and cyclists who visit our wonderful Malvern Hills.”
Mr Roskams added: “We very much recognise the value of pubs in local communities, both as places to socialise and as venues for live performances and music.
“We will do all we can to support a vibrant and thriving local high street.”
Mrs Adamson said she was not involved in the listing but ‘whole-heartedly’ agreed with the move.
Steps have now been taken for the pub, owned by Admiral Taverns, to go down the community ownership route and a meeting will be held next month to discuss the option.
