We have seen that pubs are more than just private businesses selling alcohol, rather playing an important role at the heart of their local communities. They provide a meeting place where social networks are strengthened and extended between people from different walks of life, religions and cultures, thus breaking down social barriers! Pubs host a wide variety of community-oriented events and activities that add considerably to local civic life, as well as supporting local jobs. In particular, we have shown the massive positive difference the Cross Lances Pub has been making to the community in Hounslow, with all its events and fund-raising activities! Our nation's pubs are the heart and soul of this country. Britain has already lost almost 30000 pubs in the last four decades (according to CAMRA). They are still under enormous pressure, with many still closing every week. The Covid-19 lockdown, with the consequent loss of business revenue, is putting even more pressure on their viability. These historic, community promoting institutions require our help to preserve them for future local residents to enjoy, in the same way that we create national parks or listed buildings! We cannot just sit back and allow them to be crushed!In particular, the Cross Lances is a local treasure and one of the very few pubs left in Hounslow! If this pub were to be demolished in favour of another non community building, it would be a terrible loss to the local people. Why not repurpose alternative land, occupied by pubs, either still standing or demolished, left derelict, for this planning application instead?
The Cross Lances Pub was built in 1838, taking its name from the insignia of the 12 th Royal (Prince Of Wales) Lancers, then based nearby. The first landlord at 'the Lances' was 'Old Pork and Lard', who also owned an abattoir close by. He was married to a very young girl but died while she was pregnant. It is said that his ghost has been seen and heard in the upper floors, and boxes and glasses are often mysteriously moved around. The ghost of a former barmaid has also reputedly been seen by landlords and bar staff alike, and appears on a regular basis! Despite this spooky past, the Cross Lances Pub has continued to serve the local community. In a fairly new town (historically speaking) the Cross Lances has a long past, which in itself adds to the character of the area. Doesn't it deserve to be preserved and maintained as part of Hounslow's historical past?