Improving rural services in East Sussex

Posted on:

A scheme to help rural pubs in East Sussex to branch out into new local services is to be launched by Pub is The Hub in partnership with Wealden District Council and East Sussex County Council.

Pub is The Hub will launch its Local Community Services Champions initiative, on Tuesday 19th April 2016 from 11am to 1pm at The Reid Hall, Boreham Street, East Sussex (BN27 4SD) and is calling for rural licensees to come forward and express their interest.

John Longden, the Chief Executive of Pub is The Hub and his team aim to showcase advice, support and, if appropriate, funding for pub operators and owners who are considering a diversification scheme. Schemes of this type include providing post offices, shops, libraries, internet cafes, allotment schemes, school dinners, lunch clubs for the elderly, cash point machines, IT training and meeting rooms.

Pub is The Hub, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2001 by HRH the Prince of Wales, encourages local authorities, communities, licensees, pub owners and breweries to work together to support, retain and locate services within rural pubs. Pub is The Hub assists with guidance on availability of project funding, and having a thorough understanding of the pub business, is able to advise on the best way to progress with each individual project.

The launch of the scheme in East Sussex is also being backed by the Big Lottery Fund who have had an association with Pub is The Hub since 2011.

John Longden, Chief Executive from Pub is The Hub said: “We are opening up the event to any licensees and pub owners who are considering the option of diversification – and even those who have never thought of it before. We welcome anyone who wants to know more and fancies having a chat with us.”

Anyone who would like to attend the meeting in can telephone 01423 546165 to reserve a place or can go to www.pubisthehub.org.uk for more information.