Back bid to ensure pub survival

Many thanks to the Shropshire Star for highlighting what we fear may be the permanent closure of the Powis Arms public house at Pool Quay, near Welshpool.

The Powis estate has already forced a month's closure on the place, which bodes ill. It doesn't take long to lose custom forever and the estate has a poor record of pub closures elsewhere.

Apart from being a splendid timber-framed building under no protection or listing and therefore at risk of redevelopment, the Powis Arms is a source of fine real ales and is the only proper public space or business in the village.

It is valued as such. Is a time when we are all encouraged not to drink and drive a sensible time to close the village's only pub? Write to the estate in support of would-be landlord Bob McGill. I shall also be writing to the local AM and MP.

Valentine Shearman, Chirk