Save the Falcon campaign signs up 1,000

THE campaign to save Huntingdon’s Falcon Tavern collected its 1,000th signature when it became part of the town’s St George’s Day celebrations on Saturday.

With a display in Huntingdon Town Hall detailing the Falcon’s history, a suggestion box for possible future uses and a steadily-growing petition, organiser Faye Linnell said the day had shown once again the strength of feeling for saving the Grade II-listed pub.

Mrs Linnell said that, after reaching 1,000 signatures for the Save the Falcon campaign, she would be seeking a meeting with the building’s owners, Punch Taverns.

“We had so much positive feedback on Saturday, and it seems like people are really getting behind the idea.

“The public opinion really does seem to be that the Falcon Tavern should remain exactly what it has been for the past 500 years – a tavern. Everyone who filled out a slip expressed the same opinion.

“The next step is to take that public support and present it to Punch Taverns to show how much people care about the pub.

“People came to us to share stories about their experiences of tThe Falcon over the years and, having read the display, were amazed at the history that the building is steeped in.”

Mrs Linnell said she and co-campaigner Berni Mueller had also made useful business contacts at the stand, and met others who had expressed interest in reopening the pub.

She will be on HCRfm at 7.30pm this evening (Wednesday) discussing the campaign, and encouraging more people to sign the petition before it closes on Friday to be sent to Punch Taverns.

Mrs Linnell said: “We are over the moon that we have reached our goal with signatures. I’m so grateful to people for the way they have responded: it’s been outstanding.

“This campaign has been a learning curve for me, but I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge and I will not stop until the Falcon is back as an active part of our town – however long that takes or whatever is involved.”