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Care home? Give us our local pub!
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| CAMPAIGN: Hall & Woodhouse's closure of The Greenridge pub in Upton has angered locals, including (from left) Shirley Benjafield, Simon Thomsom, chairman of Lytchett Minster and Upton Community Association and Simon Williams, chairman of Upton Heath Residents Association |
UPTON residents are to vociferously fight plans to convert the Greenridge pub into a nursing home.
The pub was closed by owners Hall & Woodhouse last month, and the Blandford-based brewery has since announced plans to develop a first-floor care home, with a 8,000 sq m commercial space below.
The Greenridge, previously known as the Upton Hotel, has stood on the Upton crossroads since 1935 and is viewed by many as a focal point for the community.
Simon Thomson, chairman of the Lytchett Minster and Upton Community Association, said the association would battle to retain the historic site for community use and, ideally, as a pub.
He said: "Upton has a population of more than 7,500. It is the second largest town in Purbeck and to leave us with nothing is ridiculous.
"The Greenridge has gone now and we're not going to get it back, but we have to look at how we can develop the site with a pub on it.
"I've not heard anyone say I'm glad it's closed'. Everyone is saying What a shame, it could be so good'."
A friendly, family-orientated pub would be ideal for the site, added Mr Thomson.
Upton councillor Fred Drane said residents wanted to see the character of the town preserved.
He said: "People consider the site the centre of Upton and don't want that ruined.
"There's not much there and we are trying to hang on to what there is.
"It's a beautiful building but it has been left to rack and ruin."
Tiles from the roof of the Greenridge building have already been removed, though Purbeck council would need to grant permission before the building could be demolished.
Hall & Woodhouse cited the effects of the smoking ban and a lack of local support as the reasons for the Greenridge's closure.
David Woodhouse, group managing director, said Dorset was in great need of care home places, and the development would be a boost for both Upton and the wider area.
7:00pm Friday 2nd May 2008
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CommentPosted by: FletcherTheCat, The Sexy Beast on 10:22pm Fri 2 May 08
"Hall & Woodhouse cited the effects of the smoking ban and a lack of local support as the reasons for the Greenridge's closure."
What a load of rubbish.
The brewery have deliberately run the pub down because of the value of the land that it stands on.
With investment, The Greenridge could have been a very profitable pub - but as a long-term venture and would not bring in the quick buck that selling the site for development will bring them.
Instead, they have put in landlord after landlord that already have other pubs and so were not committed to the Greenridge. One only has to look at what has been done to other local Hall and Woodhouse pubs by comparison to see the difference. Of course it has not been supported - it has been run down, allowed to become dirty, unwelcoming and hasn't served a decent plate of food for years. Why would people support a pub like that? The brewery have wanted that to be the case to provide them with an excuse for selling it for development!
However that does not mean it cannot be run as a pub, that it does not provide a service for the community - because it does.
They have been approached by people who wanted to buy it from them and run it as a pub - but the brewery wouldn't even speak to them.
Upton residents should object to any planning applications on the site that do not simply return it to being the village pub that it should remain.
"Hall & Woodhouse cited the effects of the smoking ban and a lack of local support as the reasons for the Greenridge's closure."
What a load of rubbish.
The brewery have deliberately run the pub down because of the value of the land that it stands on.
With investment, The Greenridge could have been a very profitable pub - but as a long-term venture and would not bring in the quick buck that selling the site for development will bring them.
Instead, they have put in landlord after landlord that already have other pubs and so were not committed to the Greenridge. One only has to look at what has been done to other local Hall and Woodhouse pubs by comparison to see the difference. Of course it has not been supported - it has been run down, allowed to become dirty, unwelcoming and hasn't served a decent plate of food for years. Why would people support a pub like that? The brewery have wanted that to be the case to provide them with an excuse for selling it for development!
However that does not mean it cannot be run as a pub, that it does not provide a service for the community - because it does.
They have been approached by people who wanted to buy it from them and run it as a pub - but the brewery wouldn't even speak to them.
Upton residents should object to any planning applications on the site that do not simply return it to being the village pub that it should remain.
Posted by: FletcherTheCat, The Sexy Beast on 10:22pm Fri 2 May 08
"Hall & Woodhouse cited the effects of the smoking ban and a lack of local support as the reasons for the Greenridge's closure."
What a load of rubbish.
The brewery have deliberately run the pub down because of the value of the land that it stands on.
With investment, The Greenridge could have been a very profitable pub - but as a long-term venture and would not bring in the quick buck that selling the site for development will bring them.
Instead, they have put in landlord after landlord that already have other pubs and so were not committed to the Greenridge. One only has to look at what has been done to other local Hall and Woodhouse pubs by comparison to see the difference. Of course it has not been supported - it has been run down, allowed to become dirty, unwelcoming and hasn't served a decent plate of food for years. Why would people support a pub like that? The brewery have wanted that to be the case to provide them with an excuse for selling it for development!
However that does not mean it cannot be run as a pub, that it does not provide a service for the community - because it does.
They have been approached by people who wanted to buy it from them and run it as a pub - but the brewery wouldn't even speak to them.
Upton residents should object to any planning applications on the site that do not simply return it to being the village pub that it should remain.
"Hall & Woodhouse cited the effects of the smoking ban and a lack of local support as the reasons for the Greenridge's closure."
What a load of rubbish.
The brewery have deliberately run the pub down because of the value of the land that it stands on.
With investment, The Greenridge could have been a very profitable pub - but as a long-term venture and would not bring in the quick buck that selling the site for development will bring them.
Instead, they have put in landlord after landlord that already have other pubs and so were not committed to the Greenridge. One only has to look at what has been done to other local Hall and Woodhouse pubs by comparison to see the difference. Of course it has not been supported - it has been run down, allowed to become dirty, unwelcoming and hasn't served a decent plate of food for years. Why would people support a pub like that? The brewery have wanted that to be the case to provide them with an excuse for selling it for development!
However that does not mean it cannot be run as a pub, that it does not provide a service for the community - because it does.
They have been approached by people who wanted to buy it from them and run it as a pub - but the brewery wouldn't even speak to them.
Upton residents should object to any planning applications on the site that do not simply return it to being the village pub that it should remain.
Posted by: FletcherTheCat, The Sexy Beast on 10:22pm Fri 2 May 08
"Hall & Woodhouse cited the effects of the smoking ban and a lack of local support as the reasons for the Greenridge's closure."
What a load of rubbish.
The brewery have deliberately run the pub down because of the value of the land that it stands on.
With investment, The Greenridge could have been a very profitable pub - but as a long-term venture and would not bring in the quick buck that selling the site for development will bring them.
Instead, they have put in landlord after landlord that already have other pubs and so were not committed to the Greenridge. One only has to look at what has been done to other local Hall and Woodhouse pubs by comparison to see the difference. Of course it has not been supported - it has been run down, allowed to become dirty, unwelcoming and hasn't served a decent plate of food for years. Why would people support a pub like that? The brewery have wanted that to be the case to provide them with an excuse for selling it for development!
However that does not mean it cannot be run as a pub, that it does not provide a service for the community - because it does.
They have been approached by people who wanted to buy it from them and run it as a pub - but the brewery wouldn't even speak to them.
Upton residents should object to any planning applications on the site that do not simply return it to being the village pub that it should remain.
"Hall & Woodhouse cited the effects of the smoking ban and a lack of local support as the reasons for the Greenridge's closure."
What a load of rubbish.
The brewery have deliberately run the pub down because of the value of the land that it stands on.
With investment, The Greenridge could have been a very profitable pub - but as a long-term venture and would not bring in the quick buck that selling the site for development will bring them.
Instead, they have put in landlord after landlord that already have other pubs and so were not committed to the Greenridge. One only has to look at what has been done to other local Hall and Woodhouse pubs by comparison to see the difference. Of course it has not been supported - it has been run down, allowed to become dirty, unwelcoming and hasn't served a decent plate of food for years. Why would people support a pub like that? The brewery have wanted that to be the case to provide them with an excuse for selling it for development!
However that does not mean it cannot be run as a pub, that it does not provide a service for the community - because it does.
They have been approached by people who wanted to buy it from them and run it as a pub - but the brewery wouldn't even speak to them.
Upton residents should object to any planning applications on the site that do not simply return it to being the village pub that it should remain.
Posted by: Robert Ratcliffe, poole on 10:53pm Fri 2 May 08
Think we got you point the first time
Think we got you point the first time
Posted by: Nick, Bournemouth on 11:39pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote]FletcherTheCat,
The brewery have deliberately run the pub down because of the value of the land that it stands on….[/quote]
If it was so good, why did only a few use it?
FletcherTheCat,
The brewery have deliberately run the pub down because of the value of the land that it stands on….
If it was so good, why did only a few use it?
Posted by: Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West on 1:38am Sat 3 May 08
Because Nick had you used the pub yourself you would realise that at one time and not so long ago it was a good well used pub, but like so many H&W pubs it has been left to diminish as it stands because of the land value as already said.
The same happened to a pub on the outskirts of Blandford. Friends I knew well ran the pub. It was always busy, but again H&W decided it was not needed anymore, and a good price was offered for the land. There are now multi dwellings on this space of flats, and one and two bedroom properties.
H&W have been doing this for years.
Because Nick had you used the pub yourself you would realise that at one time and not so long ago it was a good well used pub, but like so many H&W pubs it has been left to diminish as it stands because of the land value as already said.
The same happened to a pub on the outskirts of Blandford. Friends I knew well ran the pub. It was always busy, but again H&W decided it was not needed anymore, and a good price was offered for the land. There are now multi dwellings on this space of flats, and one and two bedroom properties.
H&W have been doing this for years.
Posted by: L.U.C.A., Upton, Poole, Dorset on 1:09pm Sat 3 May 08
On Tuesday morning, I will be going up to the Brewery in Blandford and will be asking to speak to Mark Woodhouse, to find out why he thinks we should stand back and support his arrogant assumption that he knows what Upton needs, when he has not consulted the community. His company is destroying the focal point and the centre of our town and I for one will not stand by and whatch it happen.
[bold]Any written letters of support should be delivered by hand to the Community Centre before 9am on Tuesday morning.[/bold]
Simon Thomson [italic](L.U.C.A. Chairman)[/italic]
On Tuesday morning, I will be going up to the Brewery in Blandford and will be asking to speak to Mark Woodhouse, to find out why he thinks we should stand back and support his arrogant assumption that he knows what Upton needs, when he has not consulted the community. His company is destroying the focal point and the centre of our town and I for one will not stand by and whatch it happen.
Any written letters of support should be delivered by hand to the Community Centre before 9am on Tuesday morning.
Simon Thomson
(L.U.C.A. Chairman) Posted by: PETE WOODLEY on 1:57pm Sat 3 May 08
[quote][bold]L.U.C.A.[/bold] wrote:
On Tuesday morning, I will be going up to the Brewery in Blandford and will be asking to speak to Mark Woodhouse, to find out why he thinks we should stand back and support his arrogant assumption that he knows what Upton needs, when he has not consulted the community. His company is destroying the focal point and the centre of our town and I for one will not stand by and whatch it happen.
[bold]Any written letters of support should be delivered by hand to the Community Centre before 9am on Tuesday morning.[/bold]
Simon Thomson [italic](L.U.C.A. Chairman)[/italic] [/quote] GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL.
L.U.C.A. wrote:
On Tuesday morning, I will be going up to the Brewery in Blandford and will be asking to speak to Mark Woodhouse, to find out why he thinks we should stand back and support his arrogant assumption that he knows what Upton needs, when he has not consulted the community. His company is destroying the focal point and the centre of our town and I for one will not stand by and whatch it happen.
Any written letters of support should be delivered by hand to the Community Centre before 9am on Tuesday morning.
Simon Thomson (L.U.C.A. Chairman)
GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL.
Posted by: Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West on 4:39pm Sat 3 May 08
Good Luck Simon, and all the people of Upton and Lychett.Minster CA. You have my support.
Good Luck Simon, and all the people of Upton and Lychett.Minster CA. You have my support.
Posted by: L.U.C.A., Upton, Poole, Dorset on 5:07pm Sat 3 May 08
Thank you all for your support. It is much appreciated.
For further information and to be kept up to date e-mail me, Simon Thomson on [bold]luca[/bold] at [bold]dorsethalls[/bold]dot[bold]org[/bold]dot[bold]uk[/bold]
Thank you all for your support. It is much appreciated.
For further information and to be kept up to date e-mail me, Simon Thomson on
luca at
dorsethallsdot
orgdot
ukPosted by: L.U.C.A., Upton, Poole, Dorset on 5:08pm Sat 3 May 08
Thank you all for your support. It is much appreciated.
For further information and to be kept up to date e-mail me, Simon Thomson on [bold]luca[/bold] at [bold]dorsethalls[/bold]dot[bold]org[/bold]dot[bold]uk[/bold]
Thank you all for your support. It is much appreciated.
For further information and to be kept up to date e-mail me, Simon Thomson on
luca at
dorsethallsdot
orgdot
ukPosted by: FletcherTheCat, The Sexy Beast on 7:16pm Sat 3 May 08
[quote][bold]Robert Ratcliffe[/bold] wrote:
Think we got you point the first time[/quote] Sorry - not my fault. This buggy Echo site always does that when using Firefox. Having to defile myself and use IE to stop it happening.
Robert Ratcliffe wrote:
Think we got you point the first time
Sorry - not my fault. This buggy Echo site always does that when using Firefox. Having to defile myself and use IE to stop it happening.
Posted by: free wessex, dorset on 7:17pm Sat 3 May 08
This story seems very familiar and the similarities to the on going situation in Dorchester with
H & W's White Hart in High East Street are uncanny!
This story seems very familiar and the similarities to the on going situation in Dorchester with
H & W's White Hart in High East Street are uncanny!
Posted by: FletcherTheCat, The Sexy Beast on 7:17pm Sat 3 May 08
[quote][bold]Nick[/bold] wrote:
[quote]FletcherTheCat, The brewery have deliberately run the pub down because of the value of the land that it stands on….[/quote] If it was so good, why did only a few use it? [/quote] It wasn't 'so good' because the brewery didn't want it to be any good. Simple really.
It could have been very good, but that would have taken time and investment and not made them as much money as a land deal.
The travesty is that the building was not listed.
Nick wrote:
FletcherTheCat, The brewery have deliberately run the pub down because of the value of the land that it stands on….
If it was so good, why did only a few use it?
It wasn't 'so good' because the brewery didn't want it to be any good. Simple really.
It could have been very good, but that would have taken time and investment and not made them as much money as a land deal.
The travesty is that the building was not listed.
Posted by: FletcherTheCat, The Sexy Beast on 7:18pm Sat 3 May 08
[quote][bold]L.U.C.A.[/bold] wrote:
Thank you all for your support. It is much appreciated. For further information and to be kept up to date e-mail me, Simon Thomson on [bold]luca[/bold] at [bold]dorsethalls[/bold]dot[bold]org[/bold]dot[bold]uk[/bold][/quote] Good luck - there's a Facebook group about The Greenridge.. it might be worth looking it up.
L.U.C.A. wrote:
Thank you all for your support. It is much appreciated. For further information and to be kept up to date e-mail me, Simon Thomson on luca at dorsethallsdotorgdotuk
Good luck - there's a Facebook group about The Greenridge.. it might be worth looking it up.
Posted by: FletcherTheCat, The Sexy Beast on 7:22pm Sat 3 May 08
[quote]Tiles from the roof of the Greenridge building have already been removed[/quote]
This of course is an absolutely disgusting and cynical ploy by the brewery.
One might call it a scorced earth tactic - removing the tiles makes the building open to the elements. The interior will of course be ruined by rain which makes it all the more difficult to preserve the site as a pub.
Tiles from the roof of the Greenridge building have already been removed
This of course is an absolutely disgusting and cynical ploy by the brewery.
One might call it a scorced earth tactic - removing the tiles makes the building open to the elements. The interior will of course be ruined by rain which makes it all the more difficult to preserve the site as a pub.
Posted by: paul, poole on 9:24pm Sat 3 May 08
The Brewery has it's Shareholders and retirement funds to keep happy which comes miles before the happy customer. Blaming their problems on the Smoking ban and local people beggars belief.
The Brewery has it's Shareholders and retirement funds to keep happy which comes miles before the happy customer. Blaming their problems on the Smoking ban and local people beggars belief.
Posted by: ali, Upton on 11:37pm Sat 3 May 08
The greenridge could be so sucessful just look at St Peters Finger and The Bakers Arms!! I know if it was similar standard to these I would certainly visit!!
The greenridge could be so sucessful just look at St Peters Finger and The Bakers Arms!! I know if it was similar standard to these I would certainly visit!!
Posted by: Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West on 12:04am Sun 4 May 08
Is there not a local consortium who could take over the pub. It is a down right liberty for H&W to remove the structure prior to sale. I do not live in that area, but I use to be a member of the Upton and LM Working Mens Club, many moons ago, and often we would meet up in the Greenridge for a drink. It was a great pub, and indeed has the potential to become one again with good support.
Is there not a local consortium who could take over the pub. It is a down right liberty for H&W to remove the structure prior to sale. I do not live in that area, but I use to be a member of the Upton and LM Working Mens Club, many moons ago, and often we would meet up in the Greenridge for a drink. It was a great pub, and indeed has the potential to become one again with good support.
Posted by: godzilla, hamworthy on 8:37am Sun 4 May 08
good luck to all at Upton and Lytchett who are trying to save the pub.
ps take care it doesn't suddenly catch fire
good luck to all at Upton and Lytchett who are trying to save the pub.
ps take care it doesn't suddenly catch fire
Posted by: swampy, poole on 10:48am Sun 4 May 08
[quote][bold]Nick[/bold] wrote:
[quote]FletcherTheCat, The brewery have deliberately run the pub down because of the value of the land that it stands on….[/quote] If it was so good, why did only a few use it? [/quote] because the rest have been barred!
Nick wrote:
FletcherTheCat, The brewery have deliberately run the pub down because of the value of the land that it stands on….
If it was so good, why did only a few use it?
because the rest have been barred!
Posted by: Chris, UK on 10:14pm Tue 6 May 08
Good luck to anyone who has the energy and finance to create a community pub. Let's hope that Simon Thomson and members of the Lytchett Minster and Upton Community Association are able to subsidise the venture.
Unfortunately more and more people enjoy socialising with friends in their own homes without any interference from the government smoking ban and the greed of the Pubcos.
Good luck to anyone who has the energy and finance to create a community pub. Let's hope that Simon Thomson and members of the Lytchett Minster and Upton Community Association are able to subsidise the venture.
Unfortunately more and more people enjoy socialising with friends in their own homes without any interference from the government smoking ban and the greed of the Pubcos.
Posted by: L.U.C.A., Upton, Poole, Dorset on 10:50pm Tue 6 May 08
I have frequented the Greenridge for 22 years and I can honestly say that the problem is not that the locals have all been barred from the pub, but rather the brewery have not invested in the property either financially, or more recently, by supporting the Landlords who have committed themselves to the licence.
I have received a number of telephone calls from local residents who have lived in the town all their lives. All these calls have been from people who are really upset that the Brewery have torn the heart out of the town and removed the last remaining icon of the old town they have grown up in. All this without being consulted.
Simon Thomson
Lytchett Minster and Upton Community Association.
I have frequented the Greenridge for 22 years and I can honestly say that the problem is not that the locals have all been barred from the pub, but rather the brewery have not invested in the property either financially, or more recently, by supporting the Landlords who have committed themselves to the licence.
I have received a number of telephone calls from local residents who have lived in the town all their lives. All these calls have been from people who are really upset that the Brewery have torn the heart out of the town and removed the last remaining icon of the old town they have grown up in. All this without being consulted.
Simon Thomson
Lytchett Minster and Upton Community Association.
Posted by: joanna.ross, poole on 9:53pm Wed 7 May 08
would be nice to have a harvester or beefeater to replace the one we lost at fleetsbridge.
would be nice to have a harvester or beefeater to replace the one we lost at fleetsbridge.
Posted by: Andy80F, Upton on 5:35pm Mon 12 May 08
Got to say the Fletcher the Cat seems spot on with his attitude towards the Brewery,
As to plans to convert it to a Nursing Home, there were no applications for any development for the site just a couple of weeks ago and now that the roof has been removed rendering the building open to the elements it seems the the Brewery will be happy to sit back and let the building rot until further demolition is agreed to (removing the roof is demolition and there was no planning permssion for that). Where are the local councillors now that the village needs them. The Greenridge is the visible centre of Upton yet lies spoiled and becoming derelict. Crooked practices I suspect.
Got to say the Fletcher the Cat seems spot on with his attitude towards the Brewery,
As to plans to convert it to a Nursing Home, there were no applications for any development for the site just a couple of weeks ago and now that the roof has been removed rendering the building open to the elements it seems the the Brewery will be happy to sit back and let the building rot until further demolition is agreed to (removing the roof is demolition and there was no planning permssion for that). Where are the local councillors now that the village needs them. The Greenridge is the visible centre of Upton yet lies spoiled and becoming derelict. Crooked practices I suspect.
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