Theresa Villiers MP has expressed her strong support for the community campaign to save the Prince of Wales pub in East Barnet Village. This is earmarked for closure in mid February, apparently because its owner, Stonegate, is experiencing financial difficulties.
Theresa joined campaigners from the East Barnet Residents Association (EBRA) on Tuesday outside the pub in a show of support from local people gathering to try to save this important local facility. She met representatives of EBRA again, and Cllr Jennifer Grocock, on Friday in the Prince of Wales to work out next steps.
As a result of that discussion, Theresa has provided a formal letter of support to an application to list the pub as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). If this is approved by Barnet Council, it will require the owners of the Prince of Wales, Stonegate, to notify local residents on any impending sale, giving them time to potentially find an alternative buyer who would keep the building running as a pub.
Rounding up on an important week of activity regarding the Prince of Wales, Theresa said, "This pub is a much-valued community resource. It is at the heart of life in East Barnet Village. That is what I have emphasised in my letter backing the Asset of Community Value application. The ACV process was an important innovation from the Coalition Government to give communities a greater say in what happens to local institutions like pubs, shops, and theatres."
"I was pleased to be able to attend a chilly protest outside the pub on Tuesday to show my visible support for the campaign to save it. I am chasing Stonegate to try to find out more about their plans and to urge them to keep the pub open until a buyer can be found to keep it going. It would be tragic if this local landmark were to be lost. There's apparently been a pub on the site since 1876."
The ACV application is attracting widespread support from local groups and churches and is expected to be submitted to Barnet Council early this coming week.
Digital imprint: Promoted by Theresa Villiers of 163 High Street, Barnet, EN5 5SU.
