WHAT future is there for our failing pubs – of which we have quite a few – including the 19th century Golden Lion in Upper Church Street, Oswestry.

Landlord since 2014, Lee Ryan, claims it’s a struggle to make a success of it and wanted to convert it into two flats, with three houses on its car park.

But facing opposition, he’s currently pulled the plan.

In a hamlet just six miles from Porthmadog, a community group wants to pump life back into its defunct Cross Foxes Inn by broadening its appeal through added value.

Instead of just serving up pints, it can consider things like a coffee room with cakes; a mini shop for essential items; a community room; a parcel pick-up point or a section for doggies and owners only – on top of normal pub and restaurant facilities.

Maybe the future of pubs lies in them diversifying by putting emphasis on being a ‘community hub’.

So the Garndolbenmaen group’s peep into the future with diversifying, will be monitored here with great interest!

Drink-drive warning

ALTHOUGH a police chief warned drink-driving kills people, 87 Shropshire drivers ignored the warning and were arrested with excess alcohol or drugs in the two-week run-up to Christmas!

Chief Superintendent Kevin Purcell calls the figure “unbelievable” and “staggering”.

In Wales the four Welsh police forces saw a total of 368 drink-drive and 179 drug-drive arrests.

How depressing after all the warnings.

Enforce speed limits

RESIDENTS in the rat-run that is Weston were elated when they won a Reflections-backed 30mph speed limit.

But that was a year ago – and there’s not a 30mph sign in sight.

What point is there in agreeing a speed limit, if you don’t enforce it!

Name a peacock

FINALLY, fancy naming two new male peacocks at Powis Castle? To vote, visit the Powis Castle and Garden NT Facebook page.