It is with great interest that I read the letter from Roger Ward with reference to the Green Man, Thriplow, for I too have bought an ex Charles Wells pub with a chequered history that includes closure: the Hare & Hounds, Harlton.
His article about support from within the village does not surprise me, but who cares where the customers come from as long as they come! Mr Ward has been lucky in receiving help from South Cambs District Council. I have found them to be most unhelpful. Not only have they refused planning permission to extend the pub, they have also refused to let me build a house in our large garden (appeal pending). Most surprising is their refusal to grant me full business rate relief because Harlton with its hundred houses has two village pubs and not one! If the council insists that village pubs are vital to village life, then they too must do more to support them.
Desmond Daish, Hare & Hounds, Harlton