Only one winner when you argue with yourself (From Gazette Series)

Only one winner when you argue with yourself

SIR - With regard to your article titled Warning Pub Could Stay Boarded Up (Gazette, May 14) I am confused!

Cllr Dr John Cordwell states that the pub (The Swan) is important to tourism and is an important community space and that the reason for objecting to the recent planning application for The Swan is "on the grounds the proposal is contrary to Stroud District Council's local plan".

He then goes on to explain the plan - "the plan states community spaces - such as pubs and community halls - should stay unless there is no prospect of continued community use".

The reason for my confusion therefore is: how can a boarded-up building be important for tourism and as a community space? To my knowledge the building has never been used as a community hall and the fact that the pub has no prospect of continued community use seems to comply with the local plans stated requirement. Cllr Dr John Cordwell seems to be arguing with himself over this one and perhaps he could put forward a more logical case for his objection.

Carl Rebbeck, Wyecliffe Gallery, Long Street, Wotton-under-Edge