Struggling rural pubs across Harborough are to be offered a helping hand this Christmas

Struggling rural pubs across Harborough are to be offered a helping hand this Christmas in an innovative new scheme.

Leicestershire County Council is offering a one-off payment of £1,000 to help bolster village inns unable to open their doors over the festive period.

The scheme was launched on Friday (December 18).

And it’s thought to be the only one of its kind in the country.

The blueprint is designed to keep people in jobs, maintain the role of the pub as a community hub and help them diversify by providing extra services for residents.

Cllr Blake Pain, the deputy leader of the county council, said: “Pubs are often the beating heart of a small, rural community – and hospitality has taken a big hit during the pandemic.

“We’ve ploughed almost £3 million into supporting community groups and small businesses – and want to go further.

“That’s why we’re doubling the money provided by the Government and offering £1,000 to help struggling rural pubs.”

He added: “We recognise their plight – and want to do all we can to support them through these tough times.

“We’re hoping to start awarding money as early as next week so I’d urge pubs which meet the criteria to get in touch.”

The scheme is backed by major trade body, the British Beer and Pub Association, which represents around 20,000 country’s pubs.

Emma McClarkin, the group’s chief executive, said: “We welcome Leicestershire County Council`s innovative approach to providing additional financial support for the county’s small rural wet led pubs which will be unable to open over the festive period.

“Hats off to them for responding in our pubs’ hour of need.”

She added: “We have been calling on the Government to increase the £1,000 one-off payment for pubs impacted by the tighter restrictions, highlighting that it is not enough to cover local pubs fixed costs let alone compensate for the loss of the business over the crucial Christmas and New Year trading period.

“I am pleased Leicestershire County Council understands the vital social and economic role that local pubs play in their local communities and is willing to offer more support to help pubs survive this bleakest of times and continue to warmly serve their communities in the future.

“I would encourage other county councils to follow suit and the Government to take note.”

Pubs need to be in a Leicestershire village and able to show how they provide a vital community role to qualify for the cash.

To find out more and apply, visit: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/community-pubs