Following the recent level of support shown online for the Wunderbar, which even saw celebrity, Matt Lucas, get involved, a campaign has begun via Facebook to save the Stones Cross from potential demolition.
The pub, situated at the top of Midsomer Norton High Street and at the gateway to Welton, had its licence revoked last week, following an undercover investigation by police which saw officers able to buy drugs at and around both venues over a period of time. B&NES' Licensing Committee have allowed the Wunderbar to remain open, but with conditions, yet the problems at the Stones Cross were deemed to be too great to allow the licence to stand.
Now, local people are questioning what will happen to the pub, which stands on the edge of the Welton, Bibby Baron land primed for redevelopment and would offer much easier access to the site, should it be bought and knocked down. The developers have already said the site would not be viable without a supermarket – something which many residents and local Councillors have argued against. Others say that if Midsomer Norton Social Club were offered enough money to move, this whole site would suddenly become very attractive indeed.
The Save the Stones Cross campaign, 'Revamp not Roundabout', already has over 400 'likes' and is asking for suggestions as to how the pub could be made into a family-friendly, community pub, providing entertainment in a safe environment, with a large garden, play area and good food, rather than falling into the hands of a developer or sold to the highest bidder. A Photoshopped version of how the pub could look is available online. For details, visit: http://www.facebook.com/savethestonescross">www.facebook.com/savethestonescross