The East London and City Branch of CAMRA is fighting vigorously against pub closures. Driving forward this fight, it initiated a deputation to Hackney Borough Council on July 22. The deputation was allowed as part of the procedures of the 2007 Sustainable Communities Act. This Act gives central government a legal responsibility to assist Councils in "encouraging the economic and social well being" of localities.

Leading the deputation, Hackney resident and CAMRA member, Bill Green declared: "There is growing concern over the accelerating closure of pubs in Hackney as there is nationally." Hackney Borough Council was asked to make representation to central government on four policy areas:

Extend Small Business Rate Relief for Pubs; outlaw restrictive covenants whereby pub sellers can prevent the property continuing as a Pub; set in law a Guest Beer Right so that every Pub can source one beer from a local Brewer; and amend Planning Law so that full planning permission is necessary before a Pub can be demolished or converted.

The Council agreed to give CAMRA ways to present its case on pub preservation. It will provide opportunities for it to participate in discussions relating to the Borough's Local Development Framework. ELAC Chairman, John Pardoe, comments: "It's to its great credit that Hackney Council received the deputation and we welcome the support of others in our fight to save the British local - the core of any sustainable community." As the North London Branch has many pubs covered by Hackney Borough Council, this initiative by our CAMRA neighbours is most welcome.