Professor tries to keep pubs out of last-chance saloon

TONY HENDERSON on an academic who is doing his best to stem the tide of pub closures in rural areas

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PROFESSOR whose study showed that rural pubs play an important role in binding together countryside communities has been recognised for his work.

Northumbria University’s Prof Ignazio Cabras has been elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences.

‘The academy elects members who have demonstrated excellence in their fields and for their substantial contributions to social science for public benefit.

As Professor of Regional Economic Development in Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School, his research has increased the level of public understanding regarding the importance of pubs as anchors for rural communities and their value in terms of social cohesion and economic development.

The study analysis highlighted that parishes with a pub had more community events - such as sports matches, charity events, and social clubs - than those without or those with just sports or village halls.