CAMRA sends SOS to members

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has launched a new support service in the wake of the pub closure rate accelerating.

'Save Our Pubs' is a new initiative designed to show pub-goers the best practices in helping to protect and save Britain's pubs.

A major part of the scheme will be an onljne forum that aims to get pub lovers sharing ideas on how to safeguard the future of local pubs.

Julian Hough, chairman of CAMRA's pub campaigns committee, said: "CAMRA is brimming with knowledgeable people, young and old, who have active experience in campaigning against the closure of pubs.

"With the aid of advisory literature and our online forum, we have created an ideal environment for people to share ideas and devise effective campaigning strategies to promote and protect Britain's 57,000 pubs.'

"Due to gloomy economic forecasts, 2009 will no doubt be a pivotal year for pub campaigning, therefore we believe this is the ideal time to launch a support initiative such as 'Save Our Pubs'.

"We urge pub-goers to use this site and forum to help save the nation's viable pubs."

Research by CAMRA has shown how 84 per cent of people believe a pub is as essential to village life as a shop or post office, with 57 per cent of the population citing the pub as an important part of their daily lives.

But CAMRA has also warned that one in eight pubs could close by 2012. Yesterday the British Beer & Pub Association revealed that 39 pubs are now closing across Britain every week.