Whilst travelling around the constituency, I often find myself popping in one of our excellent local pubs, whether this is for a spot of lunch, a quick diet coke between meetings or for a relaxing drink with friends and family. Our local pubs are very much the life blood of the community. They are the places we socialise, eat and are the venues of many entertainments.
However, as opinions have begun to change around drinking the idea of “the local” has begun to change. For many people going out drinking is frowned upon due to the number of health risks that are associated with it. As such the number of people who have been attending the pub has decreased and many pubs are faced with a choice, change to focus more on food or close down entirely. However, I think it would be a shame to lose these excellent pubs which have served as the centre of the community for many centuries. I would therefore urge residents to continue to support their local pub whether that be by attending their regular quiz night or simply popping in for a diet coke on your way home.
This may seem like a small thing but for our local business this can make a real difference. You may also find that you meet new friends and encourage people who may not otherwise have come out to join you helping to tackle the growing concerns around loneliness. By allowing our local pubs to once again thrive, we will improve our local economy, increase employment, and improve our community spirit. You don’t have to drink either to support them, you can buy a coke or even a dinner, or if your feel like being stealthy why not try an alcohol free beer? It all helps keep our pubs open and our community strong.
As always, should you have any questions or issues that I may be able to help with as your Member of Parliament please do not hesitate to contact me either by email at [email protected] or by calling my constituency office on 01702 616135.
