New Delight
Posted by Sally Crabtree, Saturday, July 6, 2002In response to Robert Collins comments I would like to say that I disagree strongly with his ideas about the changes in rural communities. There is a lot of young people in rural areas (myself and a large proportion of my friends included) who don't actually want to go out into city centres where no-one knows each other and where there is a constant threat of violence. We would much rather socialise with the people from the community in which we live and enjoy the company of people from different age groups. These people are a lot more interesting to talk to than the types found in city centre bars. The closure of the New Delight takes all this away from us.
The pub was making excellent profits only three years ago. The previous owners had built up trade and people came from miles around to visit the pub. There were biker groups, campers, families out for a drive, walkers and locals.
It would be daft to say that in only three years the demographics of the area have changed beyond recognition. They haven't. People have stopped using the pub because its food isn't as good, the beer runs out and the atmosphere has gone downhill.
No-one is saying is saying the current owners are failures. I am sure he makes an excellent train driver, but not everyone has the people skills to run a pub He should accept that and move over to allow some-one else make the pub the success it was only three years ago.
Your cynical comments about the pub being snapped up by a speculator would not be relevant if it was common knowledge that the Council was not going to allow change of use and that the building would remain a pub. The pub would then only be worth purchasing by someone who was actually willing and able to make a go of it.
I truly believe that the decline of rural pubs in this area is a myth put about by property developers and greedy 'off cummers' who want to make a quick buck and move on. The pubs where the owner is competent, willing and hard working are doing good trade e.g. The Packhorse and The Hinchcliffe.
There have been other instances of local pubs closing under financial constraints and personal difficulties e.g. The Mill Bank, The Griffin at Barkisland, The Fleece at Ripponden and The Beehive at Soyland. They have all now re-opended as thriving enterprises and the evidence is there for all to see.