Uncertain future for a pub that many like me have been trying to save
IN 2014 the Derby Arms in Aughton was the CAMRA Pub of the Year, and up until the first Covid pandemic lockdown it was a thriving community hub with an ever-changing selection of real ales and a popular menu.
Many community groups met there on a regular basis, and as they have done for generations the local farmers used it as a centre to socialise and communicate.
Since it closed its doors in March 2020 it has remained dormant, however rumours have been circulating around its sale, and its potential demolition being replaced by residential properties.
I submitted an application in July 2020 to West Lancashire Council to have the pub listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV): this was supported by 21 other local residents.
An ACV helps to protect buildings from “change of use” planning applications e.g. from a pub to a house. This looked to be going well and the council were supportive regarding clarification of certain points and additional information they needed.
That was until May 5 this year when, out of the blue, the council rejected the application outright. I am still slightly at a loss to understand why but it is due to the council’s “opinion” that due to Section 89 (2)(b)(iii) of the Localism Act 2011 the 22 people who signed the ACV do not constitute a local group.
Regardless, I have now approached Aughton Parish Council to request that they submit the application as they are most definitely a local group. Irene Roberts the Parish Clerk has informed me that the parish council are still considering this.
CAMRA have also been contacted for help and have provided some very useful advice.
This week the landlady announced on social media that: “At last the sale of The Derby was completed today” but it isn’t clear who to, and if the intention of the new owners is to reopen it as a pub.
Aughton has lost The Swan, The Town Green Inn and The Cockbeck as local pubs, others have and are being converted to restaurants.
We really need to Save our Pub.
If you want to support our campaign to save the Derby Arms, please e-mail the Parish Council Clerk, Mrs Irene Roberts: aughtonparishco@ btconnect.com
CAMRA websites: camra. org.uk (national) and southport.camra.org.uk (local).