Highbridge’s Mayor has this week expressed his disappointment that a long-running pub in the town centre is due to close this Spring.
Burnham-On-Sea.com reported last week that The George Hotel in Church Street has been sold to developers and could be redeveloped into flats.
“It will be a terrible loss for the people of Highbridge,” Mayor Cllr Michael Clarke told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“Its closure will be sorely felt. The George has been well supported by locals for many years and will be missed.”
“It’s a community hub in the town centre and pubs such as this are important to bring local people together.”
Highbridge residents have also been giving their reaction to the news on Burnham-On-Sea.com’s Facebook page.
Sarah-Jane Hole said: “We don’t need any more bloody flats. There’s such a shortage of 3 and 4 bedroom houses, what about them.”
Nick Grimsley added: “Yet more flats in Highbridge?! Wow, they really do know how to build a nice town.”
And Hannah Victoria Palmer added: “Highbridge really needs more shops.”
Michael Robbins, the pub’s landlord, has said that the business is due to close its doors for the final time in late May or early June. He said he had tried hard to sell the pub as a going concern since last summer but nobody had expressed an interest.
Mike Murphy, the Chairman of Highbridge Chamber of Trade, told Burnham-On-Sea.com that a local business consortium has bought the hotel whom he believes wants to re-develop the site. He described the news as a “blow” to the town centre, particularly because he understands the pub is not listed and it’s therefore easier to re-develop.
