Save our traditional pub

Published: 17 June, 2010

• I LIVE just a few minutes from the Duke of Hamilton (Fight brewing over pub closure, June 10) and I’m a regular customer.

Thank you for the coverage in the New Journal raising awareness of the potential loss of this much-loved historic public house.

The two planning applications to convert this 300-year-old hostelry into residential units are preposterous and, if successful, will leave Hampstead village a poorer place.

Already heavy support for the Duke has been shown and it is now up to the rest of us, who either use it or have any respect for our local heritage, to put our heads above the parapet.

With massive support we can and will see these planning applications refused even if, after an unsuccessful first hearing, the new freeholders attempt to progress to appeal.

One only has to remember a similar situation that occurred in Kentish Town when the Pineapple faced such a fate.

Local pressure against the loss of a much-loved pub resulted in the conversion plans  failing.

To this day it enjoys a secure and assured future.

Losing the Duke (run and serving the local community for the past 20 years by the same family owners the Woodersons) would mean Hampstead losing a traditional public house.

It’s a refreshing change to be able to go into a pub which is still what it was originally contrived to be, a pub.

It’s up to all of us to rally around to save this gem.

Please follow the example of those who have already lodged objections to this change of use by lodging yours on the London Borough of Camden website.

You need to quote the two planning application reference numbers; 2010/1901P and 2010/1923C.

There are easy links on the council website to follow so that your objections may be lodged and you will be making a great contribution to the fight to retain this vital amenity.

Yes we can and we will save the Duke, but only if you play your part as well.
JOHN P GRAHAM
Holford Road, NW3