Hundreds back calls to save 'much-loved' Cheltenham pub

A campaign has been launched to save The Bell Inn, in Cheltenham
-Credit:Submitted


More than 370 people have backed calls to save a Cheltenham pub from being converted into flats. A campaign was launched last month to save the Bell Inn in Bath Road after proposals were submitted to Cheltenham Borough Council to redevelop the site.

Peter Glanville, who owns the building, wants permission to go ahead with the works which include a two bed house with a garden, three one bed flats and a studio flat. The ground floor would be kept as commercial space.

But pub landlord Chris Evans, 78, was furious when he found out he could be turfed out of the pub after 30 years. The first he heard of the planning application was via Gloucestershire Live.

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Mr Evans says the owner of the building mentioned something years ago about turning the pub into homes, however he says he was also assured he would not need to worry as it would not be for a very long time.

Now a petition organised by Cheltenham Conservatives has been signed by 375 people. They want it to be registered as an asset of community value. If this were to happen, when and when the site is sold, the community will be given a fair chance to make a bid to buy it on the open market.

Petition organiser Rich Newman said he was really pleased with the increase in support. He said he started the campaign because he was shocked to hear of another pub closing in the spa town. He said: “Chris, the landlord of The Bell said to me only today ‘we've had people coming in at random from all over Cheltenham.

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Landlord Chris Evans, 78, runs The Bell Inn pub in Cheltenham. The owner of the building, Peter Glanville has submitted plans to Cheltenham Borough Council to convert the pub into flats and build a new house at the back of the pub
Landlord Chris Evans, 78, runs The Bell Inn pub in Cheltenham. The owner of the building, Peter Glanville has submitted plans to Cheltenham Borough Council to convert the pub into flats and build a new house at the back of the pub -Credit:Matthew Evans

"'Telling us stories of their first pint in here, exciting nights out that started or ended here and telling us they feel uncomfortable to hear we're closing. And of course they sign the petition’.

“I often think of the future in these things. In 30 years time I'll be walking around Cheltenham with someone and they'll foolishly ask ‘what happened to all the pubs’, and I'll be able to tell them that they were quiet when the pubs were being closed, they chose not to make a fuss when the 200 year old Bell Inn was torn apart and made into luxury housing, and I'd rather not be quiet.

“The Bell is more than just a boozer though, it does dinner on a Sunday, it has four rooms upstairs, it hosts events and live music, shows sports on the telly and acts as a center for the community around it. And for many of us who call ourselves regulars, it's as comfortable and welcoming as our homes.

From left. Rob Garnham, Conservative chairman of Cheltenham, Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson, Chris Evans, landlord of the bell, Rich Newman., former MP president of Cheltenham Conservatives Alex Chalk, County Councillors Emma Nelson and Matt Babbage
From left. Rob Garnham, Conservative chairman of Cheltenham, Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson, Chris Evans, landlord of the bell, Rich Newman., former MP president of Cheltenham Conservatives Alex Chalk, County Councillors Emma Nelson and Matt Babbage

"I think the community will struggle to thrive in the way it is without the Bell Inn to nurture it. Which is why we should do everything we can to emphasise to our elected councillors that this pub is popular and worth saving.”

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“I fear that we now only have a finite amount of time (less than a week) before we are forced to submit our petition as evidence to support our Asset of Community Value Application. I hope the councillors at the Municipal Offices make the right decision, our fate is in their hands.”

Former Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk is also pleased with the support the campaign is receiving. "It's great to see momentum building to save this previous community asset," he said.

The Borough Council is expected to make a decision on the planning application for the pub by January 29. People can view the petition by clicking here.