Childminder launches campaign to save pub (From Croydon Guardian)

Worcester Park childminder launches campaign to save pub

8:30am Saturday 19th May 2012 in Drink By Nazia Dewji

A childminder and DJ has launched a campaign to save a pub, which she claims is a lifeline for the community.

June Fraser has called on residents to help her save the Worcester Park Tavern, which was put up for sale on Thursday, May 10, by owners Spirit Pub Company.

The 57-year-old feared the pub, which is a local landmark in a prime site in Park Terrace near Worcester Park station, would be knocked down for flats.

She said: “I am absolutely gutted about it.

“It is devastating for all the people that work there as well as the community.

“It is a very popular pub and a beautiful building.”

Mrs Fraser is a regular at the pub, where her daughter-in-law is assistant manager, and said the crowd was friendly with some real characters who depend on it as a social hub.

She said: “Quite a lot of elderly and lonely old men go there. That pub is their lifeline, they go there to meet their friends.

“There is also a really good quiz night and it is the highlight of some people’s week.”

Mrs Fraser, who has lived in Worcester Park for 35 years, admitted the pub, which underwent a £1m revamp in 2002, was a bit dilapidated but said it could easily be upgraded.

She said: “They haven’t invested in that pub for 10 years so it is in disrepair but all they can see is money.

“It is a really good community pub, that is why I feel so strongly about it and am so upset about it.

“I don’t mind if it is sold on to another pub company, I just don’t want to see it knocked down.”

A spokesman for Spirit Pub Company said the Worcester Park Tavern would remain open for the “short term” and the company would update staff on developments.

The spokesman said: “We regularly review our estate and after careful consideration we have identified the Worcester Park as a pub we don’t believe has a sustainable future within the business.”

Mrs Fraser said she was setting up a Facebook page for the campaign where readers can show their support.

Visit facebook.com/savetheworcesterparktavern