A North Battersea pub under threat of redevelopment was this week granted partial protection after a successful campaign by a Wandsworth councillor and residents.
Flanagan’s, which was previously threatened by redevelopment, was granted partial protection this week after a campaign led by councillor Aydin Dikerdem.
Queenstown ward councillor Dikerdem, who was elected last November, featured the potential redevelopment of Flanagan’s pub as a key pledge in his election campaign.
The traditional Italian pub, which is popular with the Chelsea pensioners, was given an ‘Asset of Community Value’ (ACV) title by Wandsworth Council.
Councillor Dikerdem, who is delighted with the outcome, said: “This is a great result; in my first meeting at the Town Hall after being elected I gave in a petition asking for Flanagan’s to be protected and spoke about how important it is we look after community spaces like this pub.
“Now its community value has been formally recognised we will have a better chance at stopping it from being squeezed out by developers.”
The ACV, which forces the current owners of the pub to inform residents of any plans to sell, gives the opportunity for Battersea residents to buy it.
Jonathan Kinsella, secretary of the ‘Save Flanagan’s Campaign’, shared his thanks for the granting of the ACV title.
He said: “Brilliant news and recognition of what Flanagan’s brings to the area.”
Mr Dikerde, however, has expressed concern as he has said the council did not approve the pub full protection.
He continued: “This status projects the pub in the short term but it wouldn’t stop the pub from being redeveloped in the longer term.
“The campaign to protect it fully will carry on.”
