Save our Banks's petition breaks the 10,000 mark
Our petition to save Banks's Mild had broken the 10,000 mark on the day it was due to go out of production.
Carlsberg Marston's announced in November that Banks's Mild would cease production as a cask ale 'at the end of the year', although it would continue to be produced in cans and in Smoothpour keg form.
The news was met with dismay by the Campaign for Real Ale, which quickly moved to back our petition.
Slade legend Noddy Holder, who famously appeared in the beer's television adverts in the 1990s, also urged people to get behind our campaign.
The news came weeks after the Danish brewing giant, which took over Marston's last year, announced it would be closing Bank's Park Brewery in Wolverhampton by the end of 2025, after 150 years.
Recent signatories to our petition include Stuart Barber from Newport, who wrote: "I support the wonderful Banks’s Mild which must continue to be brewed."
Barrie Holden, of Lichfield, wrote: "It’s great beer and part of Black Country history and our heritage! Nothing will replace it!!"
Linda Baldwin said: "I’m from Wolverhampton, born and bred, why put a stop to something that people appreciate and support? Banks’s is part of our heritage."
Linda Griffiths, from Carmarthen in Wales, added: "We need to keep mild as a choice for consumers. Not everyone likes acidic lagers and hoppy bitters. Please let us keep the smooth palatable taste of mild."
Slade frontman Noddy voiced his sadness at the loss of a famous Midland brand as he urged people to sign our petition.
He said: "Another big part of Black Country history disappearing....
"It aye bostin’ is it? Let’s save Banks’s Mild, it makes the world keep on rrrrockin’!"
Gillian Hough, national vice-chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale, said: "The decision to axe Banks’s Mild by CMBC, along with seven other classic British cask beers, is a dangerous step towards destroying Britain's brewing heritage.
“This leaves an enormous gap on pub and club bars across the West Midlands and beyond. This is a massive blow for consumer choice.
“This beer with a 150-year history, and a tremendous relationship with people of Wolverhampton and the West Midlands, deserves greater respect and attention from CMBC and highlights how they have lost touch with consumers and the passion that exists for Banks's Mild.
“Camra fully backs this petition to reverse CMBC’s decision to axe Banks’s Mild.”
Nobody at Carlsberg Marston's was available for comment, either on the petition or to confirm whether production of Banks's Mild had now ceased in cask form.
To sign our petition, please go to the web link change.org/p/save-our-banks-s-mild
