MP Rachel Gilmour with owner of The Chapel at Cotford St Luke, main picture

MP visits closure-threatened Somerset pub after appeal for support

Paul JonesJanuary 25, 20260 Comment0

THE owner of a Somerset pub which called for community support as they faced the “very real risk” of closure put his concerns to MP Rachel Gilmour (Lib Dem, Minehead & Tiverton).

Earlier this month, The Chapel, in Cotford St Luke, appealed for support from residents amid a challenging financial environment for hospitality companies.

They said the “reality” was that the venue could face closure if there was not a “significant increase” in custom from locals.

On January 22, MP Mrs Gilmour visited The Chapel to discuss the challenges facing the business and the wider hospitality sector – including “changes in customer habits, the reality of running a large historic building that’s costly to heat, and the impact of the recent Government’s Budget” they previously cited, including the pending removal of business rate relief.

Mrs Gilmour met with owner Steve Elliott, who has run the pub with his wife Tracey since 2022, to discuss the future of the business.

And following the visit, she said: “Having lived locally for more than half my life, I know about The Chapel’s wonderful reputation. The business really is a pillar of the local Cotford St Luke community, employing 30 members of staff.

“The Government’s lack of action over business rates is nothing short of disgraceful. The Chancellor has publicly recognised the pressures on the hospitality sector and has failed to act.”

“If you live in the constituency, please support independent businesses like The Chapel – they’ve never needed us more.”

She said people could also sign her online petition calling on the Government to improve support for businesses, at rachelgilmour.org.uk/campaigns/business-rates-relief-for-hospitality.

“In the meantime, I will continue to campaign hard for government action to support our hospitality businesses, who are the backbone of our communities,” Mrs Gilmour added.