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A much-loved Dorset pub is under threat after new parking restrictions left customers struggling to visit. The owners have warned that without urgent change, the venue may be forced to close its doors for good.
A Community at Risk
The pub, which has served locals and visitors for generations, says the restrictions have slashed trade, with regulars unable to park nearby. Locals fear it could join the growing list of pub closures across the county, following in the footsteps of others such as the Queen of the South, Tulse Hill and the Post Office Vaults in Birmingham.
The Wider Problem
Industry bodies warn that cases like this highlight the wider pressures on pubs, particularly in rural and seaside areas of Dorset. Rising costs, new taxes, and issues such as parking or planning restrictions are pushing venues to the brink.
From The Old Thatch, Ferndown to The Royal Oak, Fritham, pubs rely on easy access and community support to survive. When barriers are added, customers often drift elsewhere, leaving landlords struggling to keep up.
Voices from the Community
Locals have launched petitions and are calling for Dorset Council to rethink its approach. One regular said:
“This pub isn’t just somewhere to drink, it’s part of the fabric of our village. If it goes, we lose more than a business — we lose a community hub.”
What Happens Next?
The pub’s owners are in talks with local authorities, but warn that time is running out. Without changes to the restrictions, the risk of closure looms large.
With more than eight pubs a week closing nationally, according to trade reports, campaigners argue that authorities must do more to support the survival of traditional pubs, whether in Dorset, Birmingham, or London.
