Sam Townend for Bristol North West

Parliamentary candidate in bid to re-open historic Bristol pub

The Lamplighters Pub, on the riverbank at the end of Station Road in Shirehampton, has closed. Leon Franklin, the landlord for many years, closed the doors at the end of Sunday evening, 3 January 2010.

“This is a real blow for all of us who have used the pub,” says Sam Townend, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Bristol North West, “The Lamplighters is the only pub on the river side of the Portway.  It is centuries old and a unique venue beloved of many for family Sunday lunches and a quiet drink with amazing views over the Avon.  I have had many residents tell me that they are worried it could close permanently and be redeveloped in another form.”

Sam is determined that it should be re-opened and used as a family pub and has called a meeting with the pub owners, Enterprise Inns, to find out what their intentions are and to impress on them the desire of local people to have the pub back open.

“I want to find out what they intend to do and, if necessary, will launch a public campaign to get it back open as a family pub.”

Local MP and Shirehampton resident Doug Naysmith is supporting the campaign, “Sam has got this right.  The pub is a valued local amenity.  If at all possible it should be re-opened.”