Pub is Hub set to surge ahead after cash boost

by Tony Halstead

Scores of isolated rural andvillage inns will get a much-needed lifeline to survival later this month when Pub is theHub announces a long-awaited expansion of its operations.

A new network of area field officers are expected to take to the road over the next few weeks, thanks to vital funding supplied by two national trade companies.

The cash injection will enable the volunteer team to step up the movement's work across all regions of the UK, providing help to pub businesses wanting to offer extra services to their local communities.

Final details of the sponsorship are currently awaiting approval by the Pub is the Hub patron, Prince Charles, but the go-ahead is expected within the next fortnight.

Co-ordinator John Longden says the field officers will enable Pub is the Hub to expand its work and target more rural hostelries in need of help.

Assistance includes advicefor licensees wanting to openvillage stores or post offices or wanting to provide new services for customers and local people, such as computer and internet facilities.

The new field officers will be drawn mainly from the ranks of retired industry personnel who will work on an expenses-only basis.

"We will have an experienced team on the road, people who have clocked up many years in the trade but still want to keep their hand in," Longden said.

"It's an unpaid job but obviously we want to pay for mileage and out-of-pocket expenses and this is where the sponsorship money will go.

"Without the help of our sponsors it would not be possible to expand our work.

"This is a major development of Pub is the Hub and its campaign to keep the doors of remote country pubs open and retain a service to local communities, which have lost so many facilities over recent years."