THE value of good local pubs was highlighted to me at a recent public meeting I helped organise on the ‘Save the Saddle Inn’ campaign in Fulford.

The well-attended event heard from various speakers who, along with local residents, spoke eloquently about the need to protect this pub and its historic building.

Residents were urged to sign-up for our email update, to take a poster, sign the petition, like the Facebook page and be ready to write to the council’s planning officer.

The event showed that local people care about the future of local pubs and want to have their say.

I was therefore delighted last week to back plans which seek to stop pubs being converted to alternative uses (such as shops) without locals first having their say.

Before good pubs are lost, this is the very least that should happen.

To find out more about the campaign to Save the Saddle Inn, residents can visit keithaspden.mycouncillor.org.uk

Cllr Keith Aspden, Liberal Democrat councillor for Fulford, Heath Moor Drive, Fulford, York.