Former pubs minister Bob Neill slams Lidl over Porcupine pub closure

Neill, the local MP, was joined by current pubs minister Brandon Lewis, and almost 200 residents. Neill accused Enterprise Inns of selling the pub to Lidl without any notice to the public, which meant residents were unable to oppose the plans. He also accused Lidl of misleading people when it said that it had permission to demolish the site, and claim-ed the building was unsafe.

Neill said he was seeking to list the pub as an asset of community value which would mean campaigners had the right to bid for the property if the pub was put up for sale. He is also pushing for an Article 4 direction, which prevents pubs being turned into supermarkets.

He said: “There has been a pub on this site for 400 years. It’s the centrepiece of the village. It chimes with the look of the village. It’s about the only bit of community space, apart from the library, that we’ve got in the village.

“I know the Government has brought in powers to help communities in these circumstances. We have concern that there is an attempt to get around those powers.

“The message we want to send to them [Lidl] is, ‘go away and take your supermarket somewhere else’.”

Lewis added: “Local authorities have the power to do something about this through Article 4. The beauty about the local authority seeing the public taking time out of their day is that a clear message, hopefully, will be taken on board.”

An Enterprise spokesman said: “After careful consideration and a review of all options for the Porcupine, the decision was made to sell it with no restrictions on future use. The property was sold on 28 March 2013.”

A spokesman for Lidl added: “Since acquiring this site we have twice met with the local residents. Each meeting has been attended by a company director and, where possible, all questions by members of the public have been answered.

“Ultimately we look forward to delivering a scheme that meets with the approval of all and we will be submitting a planning application for the redevelopment of this site to accommodate a new food store.”

Neill has tabled an adjournment debate in Parliament today.