Another Newtown pub calls last orders

Another Newtown pub has called last orders with The Bell Hotel on Cambrian Way the latest to close.

The last pint was pulled at the popular pub on Sunday and now local real ale campaigners are concerned about the future of pubs in the town.

On its Facebook page the Montgomeryshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said it was another blow for the town, with five pubs having closed over the past two years.

"The decimation of Newtown's pubs continues," states the post. "The Bell Hotel closed on Sunday and is now for sale or lease. There are now no open pubs this side of the town, with the Grapes also remaining shut. This will make five pubs that have shut their doors in the last two years. Worrying times indeed."

The Wagon and Horses is the only pub now open on the north side of the river. The Flying Shuttle on Llanidloes Road has also now closed.

The Angel in High Street is now a coffee shop.

One comment on the CAMRA Facebook page states: "Pubs cannot remain open if insufficient people use them." But in response CAMRA said: "This is true, but in the Bell's case the owners have decided to sell. Certainly viable in the right hands."

It is understood The Bell is being offered for sale or lease through local estate agent Morris, Marshall and Poole with Norman Lloyd.

Meanwhile, the re-opening of the former Crystals nightclub, to be renamed The Steam Mill, is expected to re-open in late August, with a hint it could be in time for the Bank Holiday weekend. Refurbishment of the club is currently underway.

What do you think about the current state of Newtown pubs?