Community Pubs Week

After four years of running National Pubs Week, CAMRA changed the focus of the event last year to reflect the need to retain pubs that serve the community. Nothing can match the British pub for its service and atmosphere. However pressures from deep discounting of alcohol in supermarkets, massive levels of tax on beer in the UK, and skyrocketing property prices, have seen the traditional British pub under more threat than ever before.

Our research showed that during 2006 56 pubs a month closed in Britain with thousands more facing an uncertain future. Most of these pubs weren't high street chain bars or theme pubs but community pubs recognised as important amenities for local people.

If our own experience is anything to go by, the 2007 survey figures promise to be even worse. We've seen seven local pubs call last orders for the final time.

• Cambridge Arms Cambridge (converted to D'Arry's Wine Shop restaurant).
• Volunteer Trumpington (now an Indian restaurant).
• De Montfort Arms Horseheath (residential).
• Kisby's Hut Papworth (Indian restaurant)
• Royal Standard Cambridge (to become a restaurant).
• Duke of Wellington Bourn (residential).
• Swan House Fowlmere (Indian restaurant).

Elsewhere, the Five Bells, Newmarket Road Cambridge remains boarded up while the owner of the White Horse West Wickham is still trying to get planning consent for conversion to residential (a planning inquiry will be held later in the year).

CAMRA is issuing a call to action for all those who want to secure a future for their local. By rallying behind your community pub between February 16th - 23rd, you will be showing your support for the irreplaceable backbone of British life.

In 2008 Community Pubs Week will complement a range of CAMRA-led initiatives, and celebrate and promote all community pubs - not just village locals, but urban gems too.

If you think your local would benefit from Community Pubs Week, you can "adopt" that pub and encourage them to run events. Go to www.pubsweek.org and order an information pack.

Licensees that would like to get involved with Community Pubs Week can also list what events they will be running for free on www.pubsweek.org