After a long and determined campaign led by former licensee Lorraine Briggs to prevent change of use of the Lincoln Imp pub in Ashby and despite planning permission twice being rejected by North Lincolnshire Council, the developer Shape & Land Property (who purchased the pub from Admiral Taverns), took their case to the Government Planning Inspectorate on appeal. The Inspectorate have now allowed the appeal and the pub will be demolished and new housing built on the site. Scunthorpe will now lose one of its most iconic pubs, famous for encouraging local musicians and for the promotion of live music. Much praise should go to The Save The Lincoln Imp campaign group for their valiant efforts to save the pub for the benefit of the local community.

After almost 150 years of brewing, Marston's has sold its 40% stake in its joint brewing venture with Carlsberg to concentrate on its 1,400 strong pub estate. The Marston brewery at Burton-upon-Trent and the Banks brewery in Wolverhampton now pass fully into Carlsberg's control. Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company (CMBC) have closed Jennings, Ringwood and Hobgoblin breweries in the last two years, so the future of the two remaining ale breweries may be uncertain following a planned business review by Carlsberg. CAMRA BEER magazine/PROTZ ON BEER