GREENE King has officially confirmed that The Beacon in South Ham will be closing, but it has given no date or explanation for its decision. 

As previously reported, The Beacon, in Kings Road, will close at the end of November, however, no exact date has been set.

A spokesperson for Greene King said: “Closing a pub is never an easy decision, so it is with great regret that we have begun a formal consultation with the team at The Beacon.

READ MORE: More than 1,000 people sign petition to save popular Basingstoke pub

“Our focus is on finding alternative roles for our team members at our other pubs in Basingstoke and the pub will remain open and trading as usual over the coming weeks before we confirm a closing date in due course.”

Staff at the pub were told last week, according to a Facebook comment from assistant manager Dawn Hayward.

Dawn said: “Hi All, I'm the assistant manager of the Beacon.

“Sadly, I can confirm staff today were informed that the pub will be closing its doors at the end of November. We have no reasons as to why. I'm sure you can appreciate this is incredibly difficult news for all so appreciate your understanding at this difficult time.”

SEE ALSO: The Beacon Pub in South Ham to close at the end of November

A petition was set up on October 25 to Save The Beacon by patron Mark Ryan on change.org, urging Greene King to reconsider closing the pub.

The petition reads: "As a loyal patron of The Beacon for around seven years, I am deeply saddened by the news that Greene King plans to close our beloved community pub at the end of November 2023.

"This decision threatens not only to leave its staff jobless just four weeks before Christmas but also to take away a vital social hub for many in our community.

"The Beacon is more than just a pub. For over 40 years, it has served as one of the few remaining estate pubs where locals can meet and catch up.

"It's an accessible place for individuals who might otherwise be isolated, providing them with their only communication with people outside their homes.

"It's like a small family community where everyone helps each other out."

To sign the petition, go to change.org/p/save-the-beacon-stop-greene-king-from-closing-our-community-pub,

Another petition has been organised by the Labour parliamentary candidate for Basingstoke, David Lawrence to call for support from the council to save the pub on action.labour.org.uk/page/137807/petition/1.