Celebrations as last pub in Burton-in-Lonsdale is now owned by the community
Faced with the closure of the only pub in the village, residents rallied together, and set about raising the more than £600,000 needed to buy the pub and secure it for the village.
In February last year, they set up a Community Benefit Society, which resulted in investments from 360 individuals and businesses, including the Community Shares Booster Fund, delivered by Co-operatives UK. The campaign has also received advice from community business specialist, Plunkett UK.
And, just before Christmas last year, the village received £300,000 from the Government's Community Ownership Fund.
Work is now underway on a refurbishment programme at the pub, which includes guest rooms, and a manager's flat; and the development of community allotments.
The management committee is also on the look out for a manager to run the pub, which it is hoped will open later this year.
Professor Ian Clarke, co-chair of the Punch Bowl Inn Management Committee said: 'What started out as a small bunch of friends determined to save the pub turned into a movement that not only encompassed our own local community but a huge range of supporters far and wide.
"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a part in the Punch Bowl story so far and are looking forward to giving you all a warm welcome when we open later this year.'
Fellow co-chair Peter Thompson added: "Our efforts now turn to two important tasks; the search for a new manager to run the pub and redevelopment of the listed building's interior and exterior including community allotments, greater accessibility and guest bedrooms. We can't wait to get started."
Anyone interested in job opportunities at the community owned pub can find out more at: https://www.burtoncommunityinn.com/
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