Concern over future of two empty pubs

TWO Portishead pubs which have been vacant for several months could be sold off.

The White Lion in the High Street, once a water mill, and the Royal Oak at West Hill both closed last June.

The pubs – once popular watering holes in the growing town – have remained boarded up ever since, prompting concern about their long term future.

Rumours have been circulating the town that if no new licensee can be found to take on the pubs, they could both be sold to developers and eventually turned into flats.

There are also fears that if left empty, the buildings could become a magnet for vandals.

The area around West Hill shops is already a popular meeting place for local teenagers at night.

Portishead Town Council has set up a heritage committee to look at ways of protecting buildings of historical importance in the town.

Portishead councillor and heritage committee founder and chairman, David Pasley, said: "The pubs in the town are part of the architectural history of Portishead.

"They both occupy prime sites in the town and cannot be left empty and to deteriorate."

A spokesman for Owners Enterprise Inns said: "We are reviewing our options for both sites to decide what is best for the market in going forward."