Shaw resident Phil Archer is trying to persuade Bass brewers to settle a wager about the use of The Village Inn pub at Shaw village centre which they admitted losing nine months ago.

In mid-1998 Phil wrote to Bass on behalf of Shaw Residents' Association to protest against their plan to ditch 'the family pub' concept which it had since opening in December 1987. Because of competition in the family pub market, Bass had decided to exclude children to create a more traditional adult atmosphere.

In reply to Phil's suggestion of a bet that the brewery would changes its policy before the millennium and allow children back in, Stephen Savill, director and general manager at Bass, offered to wager £500 that there would be no further changes. The money was pledged to a charity of the winner's choice.

In April 1999 Phil wrote to Mr Savill claiming that he had won as children were being admitted into the pub at weekends between 12 noon and 5pm. "I never in my wildest dreams thought Bass would make a u-turn in less than six months," said Phil. "I asked for the cheque to be made payable to PMH special baby care unit."

Unfortunately Mr Savill had retired from the brewery, but Bass business manager Phil McMahon agreed at the end of June last year that the bet had been lost and was 'establishing how best to pay up.' However, despite e-mails and assurances from Mr McMahon that payment would be made, and a warning in mid-February from Phil that he would call in the media, nothing has happened.

"It really is disappointing that I am reveal all this," said Phil. "Bass had an excellent opportunity to reap positive publicity for the Village Inn and could have enhanced the £500 by holding a special event, or having a whip round amongst customers.

"Bass should now pay up gracefully and help improve the vital work done by the PMH Special Care Baby Unit."