The fate of the George Pub on Wanstead High Street still hangs in the balance - it remains up for sale.
The pub has remained busy over the summer months, drawing in people across the generations.
The pub's leaseholder Wetherspoons has not been particularly communicative, since putting it up for sale earlier in the year.
I wrote to chair Tim Martin but received no reply.
I then contacted customer services (customerservices@jdwetherspoon.co.uk) in June and was told the pub remained up for sale and that our 3,200-strong petition calling for the pub to remain open had been considered by the board. No more since.
Local people remain concerned. The George has been a great community asset over the years, drawing in people from across the generations.
Elderly people may go in for a drink, something to eat and to stay warm during the winter. Youngsters, often in large numbers, for cheap food and drink.
A variety of community groups meet there - including the Wanstead Beer Festival organising committee.
It is a vital resource for people on their own - many is the story told over recent months of those who just go for a bit of company, somewhere to read the paper, have a reasonably priced pint and maybe a chat. People are genuinely distressed that the pub may not be there anymore.
On Wetherspoons' side, it must all be about profit. The George cannot be making enough money. Wetherspoons after all is a business, not a social service, but at the same time, it prides itself on community engagement. It listens to customers.
Over in Stoke Newington, the Rochester Castle was similarly condemned to closure after a strong local campaign to keep it open, Wetherspoons reconsidered - the pub remains open.
The Save the George campaign is gaining strength all the time.
What is required to get Wetherspoons to reconsider its decision to sell? There has been speculation around the lease but nothing concrete from Wetherspoons.
Pubs have been closing all over the country. Wetherspoons have closed some pubs but also opened new ones. People don't want to be told to go somewhere else, like the Walnut Tree in Leytonstone.
Surely the time has come for Sir Tim Martin and the Wetherspoons board to seriously engage with the local Wanstead community. Tell them what is going on and above all what is needed to keep this much-loved pub open.
- Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and a blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).
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