Camra steps in to protect village pub

The Euxton Mills Hotel has become the latest in the borough to be accepted as an Asset of Community Value by Chorley Council.

The move was made by the Central Lancashire branch of CAMRA.

And it follows two other successful pub nominations in the town – the Gillibrand Arms, which was put forward by the Save the Gillibrand Group, and the Bridge inn, Adlington.

The Euxton Mills formerly belonged to brewing company Marstons, which sold the pub – and more than 200 others – to New River Retail, a real estate investment trust. An outline planning application has been submitted to Chorley Council for residential development on pub’s car park.

Mick Clark, communications officer for the Central Lancashire branch of CAMRA said: “We will work as closely as we can with all local residents to achieve their objectives and keep the place open as a pub, and we have specialist officers at head office to can help and advise.”

Euxton Mills manager Sally Orr said: “I’d like to see it stay as a pub because it’s a beautiful building.”

Euxton ward councillor Mark Jarnell said he supported the CAMRA move.

A spokesperson for pub owners NewRiver Retail said: “At the current time we have no plans to sell the Euxton Mills and we intend to continue operating it as a pub.”