TWO pubs in Menston and an Ilkley watering hole are among 30 across the district that will see in the New Year as officially-recognised community assets.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said more than 1,200 pubs nationally are now listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), which means they are protected from being demolished or converted to another use without planning permission.

The ACV initiative, which is a partnership between CAMRA and the Government, is aimed at giving local communities the power to safeguard valued pubs.

Among the Bradford district pubs on the list are the Menston Arms and the Original Malt Shovel, both in Menston, as well as the Malt Shovel at Ilkley.

There are also 19 pubs in Otley on the list and two in Birstall, as well as the Punchbowl Inn at Skipton.

Kerr Kennedy, campaigns officer for Bradford CAMRA, said: "CAMRA recognises the value of promoting pubs as assets of community value.

"We have to protect pubs against the route of closure, which is still very, very high."

Mr Kennedy said Bradford CAMRA had put together a list of other pubs it feels are suitable to become ACVs and is in the process of completing the applications.

"We know we cannot save all the pubs, but there are pubs here that are the fabric of the community and they are worth saving from that point of view," he added.

Brian Mitchell, chairman of Bradford CAMRA, said: "It is very important because a lot of pubs at the moment are not being sold as pubs. They are being turned into shops and restaurants. We like the fact that a pub is a pub."

CAMRA chief executive, Tim Page, said: "It is fantastic to see community groups across England coming together to protect 1,200 pubs across the country from redevelopment or demolition. We hope to more than double that figure by this time next year.

“With 29 pubs closing every week, we want to secure greater support for ACV listed pubs to ensure they continue to be at the heart of our communities."

Pubs minister, Marcus Jones, added: "Our pubs remain at the heart of local life and CAMRA members have done their communities proud."