RESIDENTS in Cottingley and the Bradford CAMRA group have held a meeting to discuss saving the historic Sun Inn pub in the village.

The Sun Inn, based in Bradford Old Road in Cottingley, closed permanently in November last year.

A pub had been in operation on the site for the past 400 years, and after its closure was announced there was a groundswell of interest in re-opening the pub from members of the local community, supported by the Bradford branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

CAMRA said it fears the current owner of the site may have plans to turn the public house into apartments, and use the surrounding land for housing.

It said if that were to happen it would “result in the permanent loss of an important facility in the area and will have a long-lasting impact on many in the community”.

Earlier this month, the first meeting of the Save the Sun Inn campaign was held at St Michael’s Church in Cottingley, with more than 40 people from the village and surrounding areas in attendance.

Peter Down, campaigns officers at Bradford CAMRA led the meeting alongside former campaigns officers in the district.

It was held to gauge the level of support for the campaign to save the pub among the local community, and to discuss what actions could be taken.

At the meeting, CAMRA representatives shared details of its previous campaigns to save pubs in the district, such as the successful campaign to save the Wheatley Arms in Ben Rhydding, which is now a flourishing and popular establishment, and the Kings Arms in Heaton.

A spokesperson for CAMRA said the success of the Wheatley Arms “shows what can be achieved when a community unites and resists the intentions of a developer”.

It also said “much has been learnt” from the unsuccessful bid to save the Kings Arms, and can be applied to the new campaign.

It was pointed out at the meeting planning permission is needed to convert the pub into flats, and to date no plans have been submitted to Bradford Council, so the Sun Inn could easily be re-opened as a pub.

A CAMRA spokesperson said: “It was fantastic to see so many of the community there.

“The Bradford branch of CAMRA alone is unlikely to be able to save the pub and the participation and support of the community is vital for the campaign to be successful.

“Everyone in the Cottingley area and beyond is encouraged to become involved.”

CAMRA said initial feedback from the meeting was “very encouraging”, with “much support for the campaign”, and people at the meeting “unanimous” in stating they want to see the pub re-opened as a food-led pub.

Anyone who wishes to get on board with the campaign is asked to email campaigning@bradfordcamra.org.uk