07/07/2026
Rebecca Smith MP FYI.
Once again I find myself having to spend precious time fighting another complaint against our village pub.
Unhappy and frustrated I feel I need to write this, I have tagged MP Rebecca Smith hoping she will help resolve this complaint.
First it was the benches out the front and now someone has complained about the new cafe barriers outside the pub for an unauthorised use of pavement.
So please take some time to read my post and support your village pub.
The Crooked Spire is far more than simply a place to eat and drink; it is the heart of the village We provide an important social hub where residents of all ages can meet, build friendships and maintain regular social contact. In Ermington where public services and amenities have steadily declined, the local pub frequently remains one of the few places where people can gather informally, helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation, particularly amongst older residents, those living alone, and people working from home.
The Crooked Spire Inn hosts and supports a variety of community events, including quiz nights, charity fundraisers, local celebrations, seasonal events, live music, and informal gatherings. These events bring together people who may not otherwise meet, strengthen community spirit, encourage volunteering, and help create a sense of belonging that is increasingly important in our village.
A thriving village pub also contributes to the local economy by supporting employment, purchasing from local suppliers where possible, attracting visitors, and encouraging people to spend money within the village. Visitors using the pub often support other local businesses, creating wider economic benefits for the community.
There is also strong evidence that desirable village amenities, particularly a well-run pub, contribute positively to the attractiveness of a village as a place to live. Prospective homebuyers frequently view a thriving local pub as a valuable community asset, offering opportunities for social interaction and enhancing quality of life. As a result, villages with active pubs and community facilities are generally regarded as more desirable places to live, which can have a positive influence on local property values.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor hospitality spaces have become an expected and valued part of village pubs. Providing a safe, well-defined outdoor seating area enables customers who prefer to sit outside to continue supporting the business, while helping the pub remain commercially viable. These temporary barriers are intended solely to create an organised and safe space on private land and play a small but important role in helping the pub continue serving the community.
These barriers offer a safe space and protect customers from cars pulling up close to the benches.
Just Imagine Ermington without the The Crooked Spire.
If the Heart stops beating everything else around it dies……
Ermington needs The Crooked Spire as much as The Crooked Spire needs Ermington.
If you feel passionate enough to hide behind a keyboard then that’s up to you but should you wish to sit and have a conversation with me I am sure there will be some kind of compromise so all parties are happy.
Please support your village pub and for what it stands for in our community.
