LETTER: Now is time to support local pub

I travelled up from London to visit family for the weekend and was invited to The Drayman’s Arms for a fun day.
With the glorious weather, the beer garden was a bustling hub of local togetherness where all ages waited in anticipation for local band Paisley Circus to play.
As the band started and children played on the bouncy castle I looked around and saw a community togetherness which has been lost within the hustle and bustle of London.
The Drayman’s was more than a pub with some live music; this was a safe environment where generations of families had met to enjoy one another’s company, where neighbours had arranged to meet to support a local band and where new and old friendship was taking place.
After about 45 minutes, the band stopped to ask the audience to sign a petition to “save live music” and “support your local pub”.
The Spalding council are to take away the pub’s live music outdoor licence and this was the last weekend of live outdoor entertainment.
During a cost of living crisis you have a vibrant, reasonably-priced pub, allowing local musicians to perform to generations of local families and this was being taken away.
I see grandparents dancing with grandchildren and it made me think Spalding needs to support the local pub that’s become a hub for interaction and integration for all, especially after the last few years of COVID isolation and lockdown.
According to The Independent newspaper 51 pubs close per month and I fear the council’s decision to take away the outdoor music licence could potentially force The Drayman’s Arms to be another statistic.
I feel the council needs to remember not only is the pub entertaining Spalding residents but also providing employment opportunities in a time when many are losing their jobs.
From someone who comes from a large city where councils and residents are desperate to try and rebuild community spirit and integration in all aspects of living, Spalding have this in The Drayman’s Arms.
Please keep this hub of activity and community environment bustling with local talent by supporting the petition.

Ross Travers
London