Residents react to closing of The Beacon pub in Basingstoke

As previously reported, news that the long-established pub in South Ham is due to close down at the end of November was announced on social media, and residents told the Gazette that it "came as a shock".

One pub-goer, Toni Smith, said: "It is an absolute disgrace, this is South Ham's Queen Vic', the soul of the community.

"This isn't just a pub, it's our family, so many people don't see or hear from anyone until they come here, to take it from us will be a disaster, it will affect people's mental health.

"I'm sick and tired of profits over people."Residents of South Ham react to the closure of The Beacon (Image: Newsquest)

The pub, which is synonymous with South Ham, is seen as a place of refuge, and escape to those who live locally.

The news of its closure was difficult for some to process.

READ MORE: The Beacon Pub in South Ham to close at the end of November

"They're taking away my whole life," Fiona Jones told the Gazette. "It's a tight community in here, if you take it away then we are all just going to be stuck in our homes, with no way to socialise."

John Breen added: "I can't understand how this has happened, you can't make that sort of decision overnight. It will be a real loss to the community if it closes."

5 year old twins Kobi and Baiden, and 7 year old Ava (Image: Newsquest)

The community pub is enjoyed by people of all ages, Krissy Wood's children Ava, Kobi and Baiden Frimpong all enjoy the children's entertainment The Beacon provides them.

Krissy said: "In the summer they went out of their way to get things like chalk for the kids to play with, it's a friendly and welcoming part of the community."

Five-year-old Kobi added: "I like seeing people and coming for lunch."

It isn't just a place for drinking and socialising, The Beacon is a venue that has provided opportunities for up-and-coming music artists.Local musician Darragh Finan regularly performs at The Beacon (Image: Newsquest)

Musician Darragh Finan regularly performs at the pub. He told the Gazette: "This place has given me so many opportunities, for that to go away will be a huge detriment to my career, it's a real hub for local musicians."

Debbie Upton spoke of how her family had attended the pub for generations. She said: "My nan and grandad used to come here, my father played for the football team, it's really sad for us all."

Many residents called out the fact that the pub will be closing so close to the festive season, with some now having to seek alternative arrangements to book a Christmas meal out elsewhere.

Brian Collins said: "Why shut it just before Christmas? It's fully booked so they're going to have to give out a lot of refunds."

Pat Breen said: "It came as a shock that they want to close it a month before Christmas, we booked our Christmas dinners so what's going to happen with that?"

Michelle Bilcock was sad that long-standing staff will be out of a job, adding: "Some of the staff and management have been here for over 30 years, it's a real shame."Labour Parliamentary Candidate David Lawrence has started a petition to save The Beacon (Image: Newsquest)

Basingstoke's Labour Parliamentary Candidate, David Lawrence, has started a petition to save The Beacon.

He told the Gazette: "The Beacon is a longstanding local pub, and its loss will have devastating effects, the loss of The Beacon will be felt by many.

"We are calling for three things: to put the plans to close it down on hold, to listen to local needs and for the council to work with the locals to make sure The Beacon continues to stay open." 

The petition can be viewed here: labour.org.uk