Village Fights to Save Historic Pub, Faces New Challenge
The small village of Llanharry in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, has been embroiled in a battle to save its last remaining pub, the Fox and Hounds. The community’s efforts to preserve this historic establishment were met with a new twist as plans emerged to convert the pub into a shop.
Last year, villagers rallied together to prevent the pub from being turned into accommodation by landlords Drew and Hayley Donaldson, who closed the pub in December 2023. Despite the community’s passionate plea to keep the pub alive, Mr. Donaldson expressed doubts about its financial viability in a planning meeting. He pointed to changing consumer habits and the challenging economic environment as factors that contributed to the pub’s closure.
The rejection of the initial proposal to transform the pub into housing by the local council was seen as a significant triumph for the village. Residents had organised events and utilised social media to oppose the conversion of the Fox and Hounds. However, recent planning documents revealed that a new application has been submitted to change the pub’s usage to a shop.
Eifion Edwards, a key figure in the campaign to save the pub, and now a community councillor, has been exploring options to revive the Fox and Hounds. He has sought inspiration from other successful pub takeovers across Wales and engaged with local politicians to explore potential avenues for reopening the establishment. Edwards highlighted the importance of protecting pubs, especially when they represent the last remaining social hub in a village, as mandated by Planning Policy for Wales.
Despite facing this latest setback, the residents of Llanharry have demonstrated unwavering support for the Fox and Hounds. Over 100 people showed up on short notice to protest the plans for converting the pub into a shop. Their commitment to preserving this community asset underscores the deep-rooted connection between the establishment and its patrons.
The campaign to save the Fox and Hounds encapsulates the resilience and unity of the Llanharry community. The ongoing efforts to safeguard the pub reflect a broader commitment to preserving local heritage and communal spaces. As the village grapples with the prospect of losing its last pub, the determination of its residents to fight for its preservation remains steadfast.
The journey to save the Fox and Hounds serves as a testament to the power of community engagement and collective action. While the future of the pub hangs in the balance, the spirit of solidarity and advocacy displayed by the villagers of Llanharry continues to shine brightly. As discussions about the pub’s fate unfold, the village remains united in its resolve to uphold its cherished traditions and protect its cultural heritage.