East Barnet’s residents’ campaign to sustain their last pub has been given a boost by Barnet Council.
The Prince of Wales Pub on Church Hill Road was closed by owner Stonegate on Wednesday 14th February. It is the last of what were once three pubs in East Barnet.
Locals asked for the pub to be declared an asset of community value, which means that if the owner decides to sell the property, the only bid they can accept for the first six months must come from the community with the intention of preserving its use.
Barnet’s Labour Deputy Leader Ross Houston said: “The way East Barnet residents are fighting to keep their last pub open is inspirational. The Prince of Wales is a lynchpin of the community. I congratulate everyone who put together the bid.”
Resident Kathy Levine, who was part of a deputation which brought the issue to the January meeting of Barnet Full Council, said:
“With Labour in charge now, Barnet Council understands that communities are what really make up our borough. We’ve got a long way to go to save the pub, but it’s great that the council is doing what it can to back us.”
East Barnet Labour Councillors Phil Cohen, Edith David and Simon Radford have championed the campaign, including by initiating a now 3,000-strong petition.
Councillor Simon Radford said: “It is vital that residents who want to protect and strengthen their neighbourhood have advocates in the town hall.
“Labour councillors always understand that there are community values more dear than any monetary price for a plot of land. I am proud to be part of this campaign and will continue to support local residents for as long as it takes.”
The owner now has a 28-day period in which they can appeal the decision.
