Passions run high at the Dutch House pub. Locals joined local MP Clive Efford at a campaign meeting this week after a planning application was submitted by McDonalds to open up yet another branch in the area. Teachers and young people from Horn Park School have started a petition challenged the need for another takeaway impacting on the health of young people and the drive to reduce obesity.
The thirty year old pub is cherished by local residents who are prepared to take their campaign to the Town Hall when the Planning application is considered. There is no economic reason to sell on the building. Trade has increased by 7% in the last year. The leaseholder are Stonegate who have over five hundred pubs across the Country. Residents are hoping that the Council will follow the Lewisham Council lead and protect further pubs from closure.
They are supported by CAMRA who are keen to see the development of a Community interest pub being established supported by the present owners. I could not find anyone supporting the sale to McDonalds.
