Four local village pubs receive £1,000 festive funding support

The Sugar Loaf at Ab Kettleby, The Anchor Inn at Nether Broughton, The Plough Inn at Stathern and Geese and Fountain at Croxton Kerrial have been given the cash support through the Leicestershire County Council initiative.

Around 100 have already applied for the funding, which is for village pubs who have been unable to open their doors to customers over the festive season, and the first eight pubs have now been awarded cash.

The scheme – thought to be the only one of its kind in the country - aims to keep people in jobs, maintain the role of the pub as a community hub and help them to diversify by providing extra services for residents.

Councillor Blake Pain, deputy county council leader, said: “Hospitality has been dealt a big blow during the pandemic.

“And the impact is even more acute when you consider the lifeline pubs can provide within communities.

“That’s why we’ve moved quickly to bring in support.

“And I’m delighted that cash is already in the hands of landlords – and more will be awarded over the next few weeks.

“These remain tough times but we’re committed to supporting our communities and small businesses.”

It’s hoped that the scheme will support up to 200 community pubs and is backed by major trade body, the British Beer and Pub Association, which represents around 20,000 of the country’s pubs.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive, said: “It’s great to see the speed with which Leicestershire County Council is moving in order to ensure the additional financial support they have offered gets into the hands of the county’s small rural wet led pubs that are unable to open over the festive period.

“The situation facing pubs is urgent in the extreme, so the pace with which the council is acting is brilliant.

“We are calling on central government to increase the current grant payments for pubs impacted by the tighter restrictions and now the likely prolonged period of full closure and continued severe trading restrictions in 2021.

“I am delighted that Leicestershire County Council recognises the vital social and economic role that local pubs play in their local communities and I urge other local authorities to follow suit and Government to take note.”

Pubs need to be in a Leicestershire village able to show how they provide a vital community role.

Other county pubs to benefit so far are The Lancaster Arms and The Bluebell Inn, which are both in Desford, plus the Old Hare and Hounds at Anstey and The Elephant and Castle at Thurlaston.

Go to www.leicestershire.gov.uk/community-pubs to find out more and to apply for a grant.