EXCLUSIVE: Keir Starmer calls time on pub closures - as communities handed major new powers

Local people will be given greater powers to buy beloved community assets like pubs as part of a major new blueprint to breathe life into struggling high streets

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Keir Starmer has said his Government is "turning the tide" on pub closures by helping communities to rescue failing boozers.

People will be given the power to buy beloved local assets like pubs as part of a blueprint to breathe life into struggling high streets. The timeline to raise the cash to be extended from six to 12 months to give locals longer to gather the funds.

It marks a win for our campaign to save Britain's pubs, with many struggling to stay afloat due to rising costs. The Mirror has been campaigning for communities to be given more support to buy their local, along with a call for ministers to set up a fighting fund for struggling pubs.

Mr Starmer told the Mirror: “Nothing beats a pint at your local on a Friday night. Our local pubs make us proud to be British. But thousands are closing down every year, left derelict on our street corners.

"We are turning the tide. We will hand communities new powers to save and turn around Britain’s boozers.”

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It comes as the Prime Minister was expected to unveil a new "Pride in Place" programme, with support for communities across the country to revive their high streets.

Unwanted betting and vape shops, as well as fake barbers, could be vetoed by councils under the plans. Communities will be given greater powers to seize boarded up shops and derelict businesses through compulsory purchase orders.

And local people will be able to buy much-loved spaces such as pubs, tennis courts and parks to help turn them around through community right to buy.

Communities Secretary Steve Reed said: “When people step out of their front doors, they know their communities are struggling. They see shuttered pubs, fading high streets and their local areas in decline.

“Yes, communities have been stretched – but they haven’t given up. They’re working hard to make things better, and we’re backing them.

“The Government is putting power into their hands so local people decide how best to restore pride in their neighbourhoods, not us in Westminster.

“That’s what real patriotism looks like: building up our communities and choosing renewal over division.”