Local people want answers on the fate of much loved pub

The fate of the George pub still hangs in the balance - it remains up for sale. The pub has remained busy over the summer months, drawing in people across the generations. The pub's leaseholder Wetherspoons have not been particularly communicative, since putting it up for sale earlier in the year. I wrote to Chair Tim Martin but received no reply. Then, contacting customer services (customerservices@jdwetherspoon.co.uk) in June, I was told the pub remained up for sale and that the 3,200 strong petition calling for the pub to remain open had been considered by the Board. No more since. Local people though remain concerned. The George has been a great community asset over the years, drawing in people from across the generations. Elderly people may go in for a drink, something to eat and to stay warm during the winter. Youngsters come in, often in large numbers, for cheap food and drink. A variety of community groups meet there - including the Wanstead Beer Festival organising committee. It is a vital resource for people on their own - many is the story told over recent months of those just going for a bit of company, somewhere to read the paper, have a reasonably priced pint and maybe a chat. Many people are genuinely distressed that the pub may not be there anymore. On Wetherspoons side, it must all be about profit. The George cannot be making enough money. Wetherspoons after all is a business, not a social service, but at the same time it does pride itself on community engagement. It does listen to customers. Over in Stoke Newington, the Rochester Castle pub was similarly condemned to closure but there was a strong local campaign to keep it open. Wetherspoons reconsidered - the pub remains open. People in Wanstead are as concerned as those in north London to keep their pub open. A campaign titled Save the George is gaining strength all the time. What they want to know is what is required to get Wetherspoons to reconsider it's decision to sell? There has been speculation around the lease but nothing concrete from Wetherspoons. Pubs have been closing all over the country. Wetherspoons have closed some pubs but also opened new ones. The George remains a popular local venue, where people of all generations can mix and get reasonably priced food and drink. The staff at the George are excellent. People don't want to be told to go somewhere else, like the Walnut Tree in Leytonstone. So surely the time has come for Sir Tim Martin and the Wetherspoons board to seriously engage with the local Wanstead community. Tell them what is going on and above all what is needed to keep this much loved pub open.