Locals turned out on Saturday, April 23 to show their support for a well-loved pub in Llanbradach, after plans to build flats on the site were submitted to Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The De Winton Hotel has been chosen by United Welsh Housing Association as the site for planned residential redevelopment.
Under proposals, the pub would be demolished and replaced by eight houses and six flats.
Cllr Colin Mann, Plaid Cymru member for Llanbradach, said: “The De Winton is one of the few iconic buildings left in the village.
“We have lost the church, the chapel and various others and in a sense this is one of the original buildings of the village so it will be a loss.
“There are a lot of people who would appreciate it staying open as a pub.”
I have fond memories of drinking in the De Winton around 1980 when I lived in Llanbradach for a while. I agree with the sentiments expressed by campaigners to keep the pub building.
One solution is that used by the people of Crickhowell when the ‘Corn Exchange’ pub closed. This building was being eyed by a supermarket chain who wanted a supermarket built on the site. To counter this the peple of Crickhowell bought the building. They are unable to keep it as a pub, at the moment, but plan to use the original building for other purposes. Small shops on the ground floor and flats on the first floor. The old building will now be preserved and will serve the community in another way.
Well… seen that it has been very successful in the past when the Bevans owned it what is stopping it becoming the same now?? The Wingfield has been;
just needs support from the community and good management. A traditional pub serving home cooked food .. not many of those about at present.
Yes, you are right. The main problem is the smoking ban and the most heavily taxed beer in Europe. Both issues need to be addressed to give landlords a chance to make a living.