Pubs top up South Lakes economy by £50 million - Farron

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called on the government and the county council to do more to help the pub and brewing trade after new figures showed the critical role they play in our local economy.

Research by Oxford Economics showed that in Westmorland and Lonsdale there are 9 breweries and 133 pubs, providing direct employment to 1,747 local people and a further 310 indirect and 514 induced jobs.

The research also showed that pubs within the South Lakes are worth an estimated £48.6 million gross value added per year.

Tim is well known as a long time campaigner for our pub trade and is a member of CAMRA. A recent study by CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) shows that two pubs in the United Kingdom are closing every day.

Tim has proposed that Cumbria County Council support our pubs by providing grants and asking them to support community services like shops, post offices and other community facilities. Currently Essex County Council offers grants to pubs of 50% of any capital investment, up to £5,000.

Tim said: "It is important that we work hard to save our local pubs. I think that there are a few simple steps we can take to really help these community assets. We need to freeze the beer tax, support our brewers and give small grants to pubs to house community facilities. By giving community pubs a small grant, we can help rural pubs diversify and bring back vital community services. I want to see the county council back this scheme and commit to supporting rural areas."