Lewes MP, Norman Baker, has today stated his support for the retention of the Abergavenny Arms in Rodmell, Lewes. The public house closed on the 1st of this month, following which a constituent contacted Norman to raise his concerns about its closure. On Sunday, the 4th of January, a large group of local residents gathered, including members of the Abergavenny Arms Action Group, to campaign for the retention of this public house.
Norman Baker says: "There is no doubt that in the current financial climate village pubs are finding it increasingly hard to remain financially viable. This is being compounded by the ludicrously low prices charged for alcohol by supermarkets. However, we must also appreciate the value that a local community hub such as this pub has for bringing people together. In addition, the history of this pub, which has been in place for hundreds of years, and the fact that it is a listed building, should be considered.
"While we must accept that there are financial pressures on village publicans, if the Abergavenny Arms is a viable business and an offer is made to purchase it by another party, or parties, with the view to retain it, then this in my view would certainly be a preferable outcome and one which I would wholly support."
Paul Mellor, spokesperson for Abergavenny Arms Action Group added: "We all mourn the closure of a village pub trading for over 300 years, and we must work with the owner to save this vital community facility, which is one of only two such pubs on the C7 from Newhaven to Lewes.
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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