Sponsored by
Pub landlords join landfill battle
PUB OWNERS say if proposals for a landfill site at Thakeham go ahead it could drive customers away and destroy their businesses.
They believe their peaceful countryside locations could be seriously jeopardised by the smell of rotting rubbish at the site at Laybrook Brickworks.
Other concerns include noise and pollution from the increase in traffic.
Alan Vaughan, landlord of The Countryman Inn at nearby Shipley, said his summer business will be hit the hardest.
"Throughout the summer months the bulk of our trade is in the garden and people will not want to come here for the prevailing wind blowing across the garden. It will be devastating. I can see our trade being cut by 70 per cent and more."
Many of the pubs were bought for their quiet countryside location and pub owners say up to 200 extra lorries a day will destroy this.
Mr Vaughan added: "I have spent 25 years building a reputation and a business that revolves around the peace and tranquillity of life in the country.
"I have spent years developing a pretty garden with views across the countryside and people come here specifically for that and the food. And to have the landfill site just a mile down the road for us will ruin 25 years of hard work."
Adrian Brown, of The White Lion in Thakeham, said he was also campaigning against the plans. He said: "This is a small village and I moved here for the small village atmosphere. Having large lorries going through the village will put an end to this.
"It would affect the business in the summer particularly. If it goes ahead I would not be happy at all."
After struggling through what they hope is the worst of the recession, the landfill plans have caused further anxiety for local businesses.
Sin Jones, landlady of The Queen's Head in West Chiltington, said: "It's a big worry. It makes a hard time even harder.
"We are trying to run a pub and restaurant but the health issues, smells and increase in traffic could potentially put off trade."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Horsham
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -7 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: East
