“The Aclet is not just a place to go for a drink, it is a real community hub.”
Those were the words of Sophie Cook, one of many local campaigners engaged in a David versus Goliath bid to save the community pub on Woodhouse Close from closure and conversion into a local shop.
Solicitors acting on behalf of James Hall and Company (Property) Limited – a wholesaler and distributor for SPAR, the world’s largest food store chain, have lodged an application with the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) to overturn a covenant on the land occupied by the Aclet.
The covenant formed a legal agreement between the former Bishop Auckland Urban District Council and incoming residents who were forcibly rehoused to Woodhouse Close as part of the compulsory “Category D” clearance of unfit homes in sourrounding areas in the 1960s.
The campaigners have the backing of local MP, Helen Goodman who said: “I am pleased to provide support to the local residents of Woodhouse Close who fear the loss of their treasured community hub.
“The Aclet is as important to local residents now as it was when the covenant was placed and it is clear that the provision goes beyond just being a pub but a key factor in reducing social isolation.”
The sentiments are echoed by members of the local community, who have formed the Save the Aclet Hotel campaign group, and insist that the facility is a vital hub of community activity.
“We have long standing football, darts and dominos teams and regularly raise money for charity,” they say, adding that the hotel is at the heart of community life, bringing the local population together at landmark times of the year.
The campaigners also question the need for another retail outlet in an area surrounded by supermarkets and other stores.
“Within 1.4 miles radius of the Aclet,” they say, “are well over thirty shops, including six large supermarkets.”
Many of the original settlers forced to move to the area still remain there and have made roots, say campaigners, “and we were promised that the Aclet would be here for us. But now, with still 45 years to go on the covenant, they are thinking of going back on their word.
“Given that this huge company and a band of lawyers have been working on this since June, we think it’s very unfair that ordinary people have been given just four weeks to make a case.”
The community has been given until 4th December to offer its objections.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
