HEREFORDSHIRE’S pub scene is in rude health, despite dire stories nationally of an industry in terminal decline, according to a prominent local campaigner.

“It’s bucking the national trend, for a number of reasons,” Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Herefordshire representative Mark Haslam said.

“We have a disproportionate number of freeholds, pubs that are not leased, which helps to keep costs down.”

The tight restrictions around converting pubs to other uses also helps, he explained, saying: “A pub costing £250,000 in a nice village could be worth twice that with permission to turn it into a home, even with the cost of conversion.

“But it’s hard to get this since the permitted development right to convert a pub was removed – which is reflected in the price.

“We have a good handle on all 240 pubs in Herefordshire, which helps us make our case on planning issues. It not like we have a template objection.”

Mr Haslam sites that the historic Crown Inn at the Lea near is now back to being a bustling social hub following a £500,000 renovation supported by Herefordshire Council.

Mr Haslam also has praise for the Riverside Inn in Ross-on-Wye which was brought back to life following a ‘fabulous refurbishment’ after 15 years of being idle.

Rebecca Pickup, who co-owns the inn with partner Charlie Baker, said the pub had a soft opening on May 8 this year and that trade is going well. The pub seeks to be welcoming as “it’s our home too”, she added.

Tom Howarth, the Crown Inn’s general manager said that the capacity of the pub has been vastly increased following the renovation, with the outdoor area capable of seating 80 people in the revamped beer garden.

“We’ve had a positive reaction from local people, since the pub re-opened and have approved of the changes that have been made.”