Troubled East Sussex pubs in line for cash boost

TROUBLED pubs in East Sussex are in line for a much-needed financial boost – if a campaign to persuade landlords to become unofficial tourist guides is a hit.

VisitEngland wants local pubs to become makeshift tourist information centres, providing local knowledge and literature on local attractions rather than just pulling pints.

The idea behind the Inn England project is to help struggling pubs generate more trade and encourage them to diversify into accommodation and become part of the short-break holiday market.

With an average of 39 pubs being forced to close each week in the UK, many residents in some areas have been left without a community focal point.

The scheme, run in association with The Publican magazine, has been welcomed by landlords across East Sussex.

Damian Cotton, who runs The Blue Anchor in Crowborough with brother Martyn, said: "It's a good concept but it has to be done correctly.

"As a customer I go into pubs and see a rubbish little stand with lots of leaflets on it and its quite demoralising.

"Managed correctly this scheme could be great."

Chris Ketley, who has run the Five Ashes Inn for 26 years, said: "We don't mind really, it sounds like a good idea."

But Shula Tolland, who runs Wadhurst's The Greyhound pub with husband Dan, wholly embraced the scheme.

She said: "It's a very good idea.

"We've got a bed and breakfast as well so anything we can do to attract more people to the area, or foreigners to come back again, is a good thing."

Pubs interested in signing up to the campaign can visit www.innengland.com.