A last-minute change to the programme of the Midsomer Norton Society saw a talk on both the past and hopes for the future of the historic Stones Cross last Wednesday evening. Many spoke about future options for the pub, which has had its licence revoked by B&NES following a police undercover drugs operation in the town, with hopes for it to be transformed into a family-friendly venue, serving food.

The Stones Cross was once a coaching hotel, with the Welton Bibby Baron site, which stretches beyond having a rich heritage as Welton Old Brewery, dating back as far as 1876, headed by Charles and James Thatcher.

Some of these historic buildings still stand today, as the Thatcher's Brewery empire took off, expanding out to Radford, Timsbury and Holcombe, but ending with a major fire at the Welton site in 1916. It was later acquired by George & Co. Bristol Brewery, but liquidated a year later. The buildings were then home to Standard Check and Welton Bag by the late 1930s. Midsomer Norton Social Club was once a grand Edwardian house, built for the Stones Cross owners, the Thatchers, next door.

Jon Hibbert, owner and chef of Simply Thai, in Midsomer Norton, now has plans to win back the support of B&NES' Licensing Committee and, with a team of volunteers, has already cleared eight skips of rubbish from the back of the site. Jon is now taking advice to fulfil licensing objectives that might give the pub a chance to be family-friendly, serving food, with a garden, children's play area and car park, fully covered by CCTV. The process is likely to be a lengthy and costly one and a group of residents and pub regulars are hoping to form a committee and are asking for the community's support.

Speaking at the meeting, Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton, said: "Whilst we cannot magic a premises licence from thin air, nor change what has happened, we can try to work within the process to improve things and change people's minds. Apart from the Town Hall, the Stones Cross is one of the most prominent buildings in the town."

Back in September last year, Bristol-based developers, Terrace Hill, said that current buildings would need to be removed, as they are in an unfit state and that the numbers would need to stack up, including 'significant improvements to Stones Cross', with a food store and houses forming part of the redevelopment proposals. Campaigners are asking readers to share their views or show their support via: http://www.facebook.com/savethestonescross">www.facebook.com/savethestonescross