AROUND 100 campaigners staged a demonstration on Friday night to protest at the closure of the Halfway House pub in Box.

Supporters met at the pub at short notice after an email was circulated on Thursday morning and many turned up holding empty beer glasses.

Plans by the Novalis Trust to turn the pub into a village shop and cafe have not been well received by the community and an online petition has attracted more than 650 signatures.

Chris Law, chairman of the Box Village Society, said: "This came so suddenly. People in Box are horrified. I feel that this is a very anti-social move."

John Storey, 63, of Box, added: "Villagers are angry at the disregard of their custom and views. The pub is part of the community."

Minchinhampton parish councillor Steve Hemmings, who represents the Box ward, said: "I was deeply disappointed to hear that the Halfway House was to cease trading as a pub.

"Over the last three years particularly, it had been transformed into a proper pub where both residents and visitors were able to have a decent pint of beer, a bar snack or a meal with friends."

The Novalis Trust charity which owns the Cotswold Chine School, an independent school for children with behavioural difficulties, purchased the pub 11 years ago after special permission was granted by the Charity Commission.

It was allowed to make the purchase because of the pub's close proximity to the school but as a charity, the trust was not allowed to run the business and had to appoint a tenant.

Current landlord Niall McInerney had been keen to buy the freehold but was unsuccessful and left on Sunday, July 8.

He is taking over The Crown in Minchinhampton.

The trust has been unable to find a new tenant.

It says turning the pub into a shop and cafe will create work experience opportunities for students.

Jake Lukas, chief executive of the trust, said: "We want to use the premises to benefit the children as well as the community.

"I am shocked by the response to our plans as it has never been a very busy place. It is a shame but the support has come too late.

"People are genuinely upset and I do understand that."

At a meeting of the Box Village Society, residents put forward ideas to have special events and functions outside the cafe opening hours such as bands and the screening of sports games.


Mr Lukas said it was a nice idea and hopes they can work together on the suggestions. 

* Are you concerned at the closure of the Halfway House? Write to the editor at the usual address.