A campaign by residents of rural pub in Cumbria is just one of many across the country where locals are coming together – despite the challenges
Villagers campaigning to save their local pub have been inundated with more than £5,000 worth of pledges from Mirror readers in less than 24 hours.
We revealed on Thursday how residents in the Cumbrian village of Dent were trying to raise money to buy the historic Sun Inn, and turn it into a community hub.
They have already had £220,000 worth of pledges of support from people near and far. But, after the story appeared in the Mirror, they have had an extra £5,500 in pledges within a day.
However, the villagers still face a challenge as a government scheme to help communities take over important local assets was pulled just before Christmas.
The Mirror’s Your Pub Needs You campaign includes a call for more support for community groups wanting to buy their local.
Those behind the drive to buy the Sun Inn say they need around £500,000 in total
Bryan Garwood, secretary of organisers the Dent Community Pub Ltd, said: “The interest we’ve had since appearing in the Mirror has been amazing. It’s had such a major effect. The article has been like gold dust for us. The future of the pub is very much in doubt but this has strengthened our resolve.”
The Sun Inn is still open but there are fears that if they cannot raise the cash to buy the pub, it may close down in the future.
Many other communities trying to save their locals have come up against the same issues as the residents of Dent. Buyers face fighting red tape and a lack of support, plus the often huge cost of mounting a rescue bid.
The Save Our Sun website for further pledges is www.dentcommunitypub.co.uk.