East Riding of Yorkshire Council urged to improve signposting of rural pubs

The recommendation was made by a licensee at the Pub is the Hub’s launch event in East Yorkshire last week, who claimed the council should make it easier for signposts to be erected.

Event speaker Alan Menzies, director of planning and economic regeneration for East Riding of Yorkshire Council described pubs as a major employment in rural settlements, adding that the 341 pubs in the county contributed £36 million gross value to the economy with £25 million of that spent on pub wages.

He admitted that signs to rural pubs were an “important factor” in supporting businesses in rural areas but said there needed to be  “clear guidance nationally.”

The event, held at the Showground in Driffield, showcased the ways rural pubs could branch out into new services and explained the funding options available for those considering diversification schemes such as providing post offices, shops, libraries, internet cafes, allotments, lunch clubs for the elderly and meeting rooms in their pubs.

Operators also shared their stories. Elizabeth Southgate, who runs the Blacksmith’s Arms in Holme Upon Spalding Moor told how she runs a youth club in a meeting room at the pub, which means parents can pop in for a quick drink while they’re waiting.

At other times the room is used by local amateur dramatic and communty groups.

And Ray Thompson, of the Wrygarth Inn, Great Hatfield converted one end of his bar into a shop and said many male customers often pick up last minute birthday cards for their wives.

Pub is the Hub, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2001 by the Prince of Wales, encourages local authorities, communties, licensees, pub owners and breweries to work together to support, retain and locate services within rural pubs.