The value of a "local" pub.

The "broken society" is well documented. We have probably seen it all with our own eyes, to varying degrees.

There are probably many factors attributing to it - not least is the "money for nothing" world we live in. That is a separate issue on this occasion and for the purposes of this.

Put this to one side and I believe that a fair percentage of the problems we now face are due to the death of the local pub. These are rare nowadays - you are more likely to have to engage in a noisy, chrome decked affair where the sole purpose is to take as much money off you as is possible and then leave the local constabulary to pick up the pieces.

I am fortunate to have local pub in what, I class, is the good old meaning of it. During the evenings, it is mainly occupied by males who have just finished a day's work - they will be tired and occasionally irritable, but overall their mood will be pleasant and I know for a fact that I can arrange any amount of building works, gardening, car mechanics, IT help, financial advice and more all for the price of buying them a quick pint. We drink here despite it being the most expensive pub in the area.This arrangement is reciprocal to all. If you want cheap, go to O'Neills or Wankerspoons.

The "significant others" are always welcomed, as are any children (outside only, of course...).

Many long-term relationships have been formed and the overall sense of community crackles in the air. Everyone has a vested interest in looking out for everyone else. And it works.

Compare this to a few miles up the road - a bigger town, but utterly devoid of such manners and respect for one another. Respect has to be earned, but in that town, respect is neither sought nor offered. SM1 is Surrey's Wild West and if you were to enter an establishment there, you'd best have your wits about you. The simple reason is the pubs - cash cows, only out for a quick buck before the franchise is sold to the next idiotic theme nightmare and the cycle continues. All this does is encourage a herd of booze fuelled fuckwits looking for cheap thrills, loose knickers and a fight.

Society is built on mutual assistance and trust. This happens in a good local, but not in trendy bars where the primary focus is on looking good and seeing how many beers you can shove down your neck before closing time.

The banning of smoking has obviously not helped one iota, as an awful lot of the locals are older men - men with great stories and a lifetime of hard graft - who were used to smoking as and when they see fit; - and most have more decency and sense of community than the combined lager fuelled offal further up the road.

Local pubs should be encouraged. Poncey pubs should be napalmed along with the scumfucks that drink in them.

Give me back my proper pubs. Give me back the society I was brought up in. And give me back the England I still misguidedly cherish.