MP joins fight to turn history pub into pizza place (From Bucks Free Press)

MP joins fight to turn history pub into pizza place

12:47pm Thursday 5th June 2003

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SAVE our local that's the plea from desperate drinkers fighting to keep one of Beaconsfield's oldest pubs open.

The Old Hare is under threat from a pizza company which plans to buy the 18th century establishment and now regulars including Beaconsfield MP Dominic Grieve are starting a petition to stop the takeover.

Locals fear Beaconsfield Old Town will become a ghost town if another traditional watering hole is sold off, following the disapperance of at least a dozen traditional pubs over the years, including The Quart Pot, The Chopping Knife, The Three Horseshoes, The Red Ox, The Paschal Lamb, The Cross Keys and The Weavers Arms.

Regular Charlie Broadbridge, of Garvin Avenue, Beaconsfield, said: "The Old Hare has been traced back to 1707 as an inn. It retains its charm and pub ambience, as witnessed by the old beams and the stained glass windows announcing 'Parlour' and 'Taproom'. Losing it would be another tragic loss to the town to add to the others over the centuries.

"Beaconsfield Old Town has already lost a lot of amenities greengrocers, butchers, grocers, and drapers and is fast becoming a ghost town of offices and parking places. There's a great deal of difference between an old English pub and a pizza restaurant."

Mr Grieve has also told of his disappointment his lunchtime watering hole during Friday surgeries in the town may close.

He said: "I'm just as devastated as they are. It's a lovely pub and I really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere."

The MP has promised to sign the 100-strong petition and to speak with campaigners although he admits there is little that can be done to legally stop the changeover.

Campaigners also want a change in planning law to ensure listed buildings are not sold off to the highest bidder and warned parking problems will also get worse if the restaurant opens, as drinkers tend to leave cars at home while eaters drive to restaurants.

A spokesman for Spirit group, which owns The Old Hare, said: "We can confirm we are contracted to sell the Old Hare in Beaconsfield with the change of ownership early in July," but only revealed "a high class pizza operator" would take over.

A South Bucks District Council spokesman said planning permission was not needed despite its listed building status.

Do you think it's a shame our historic pubs are being turned into pizza parlours, or are more fast-food restaurants what the public wants? Write to Michelle Fleming, Bucks Free Press, Gomm Road, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 7DW

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