Liberal Democrat candidate pledges support for famous Drewe Arms pub

On Friday (14th June) Mark Wooding, Liberal Democrat candidate for Central Devon, dropped in to the Drewe Arms in Drewsteignton to hear about plans to renovate the pub.

“Living in the constituency, when my wife and I have had foreign visitors we have taken them to the Drewe Arms. It’s very pretty and something of a classic if you are looking for the traditional English country pub. And of course Castle Drogo is nearby so it is a great day out for visitors.

“A couple of years ago the local community got together to save the pub from closing. They plan to make it a focus for their community. But it is in urgent need of external renovation. As Jane Martin and her colleagues explained to me they have an application going through for government support, but the General Election has put all of that on hold, and raised questions as to whether it will happen.

“The current Conservative MP has been supportive of the local community’s efforts, so I wanted to reassure them that if I am chosen as Central Devon’s next MP they would get my support in championing their funding application. Mr. Stride and I disagree on many things but we are united in wanting to see local village pubs thrive.

“Like many local communities in Devon, Drewsteignton has seen a real decline in local services. Liberal Democrats are incredibly supportive of the action the villagers have taken in saving their pub and turning it into a hub for their community. Rural hamlets, villages and towns have been taken for granted for too long and that is why I am calling for a rural revival.

“I didn’t get to sample the real ales the pub has on tap on this visit, so I’m looking forward to returning after the hurly-burly of the General Election campaign and sampling a pint with a traditional English Sunday roast.”