INFORMAL discussions have begun to decide on the future of a dilapidated pub in a Malvern village.
Little Malvern and Welland Parish Council started consultations yesterday (Tuesday) on how The Pheasant Inn in Welland could be saved after it was put on the market for £195,000 by the owners.
Villagers overwhelmingly voted in favour of the parish council making a bid for the pub at a meeting earlier this year but the authority needs to raise £500,000 for repair costs plus the asking price of the building.
With the need for private community funding looking likely, Viv Nelson, chairman of the parish council, said consultations are now being undertaken to see how much commitment and enthusiasm is out there to give The Pheasant Inn a new lease of life.
The authority is asking for donations of £50, £250, £1,000 or £2,500 as an initial indication of support.
Not only are the parish council considering the option of running a community pub, they are welcoming any other ideas on how The Pheasant Inn could be used.
“Whilst we have had several public meetings about these important matters, it’s now crunch time,” she said.
“We think the best way of moving forward is to have informal discussions with as many villagers as possible before we move to the next stage.
“At the end of the day we want to save what is a landmark in the village as an application to build 14 homes on the site is in waiting.
“If we can’t run it as a community pub, we have already had one suggestion of turning it into a gym.
“We are urging as many people as possible to attend the consultations.”
A second consultation will be held at the Village Store in Welland from 2pm to 5.30pm next Wednesday with a final meeting happening on Saturday, August 26 between 9am and 12.30pm.
What do you think should be done to the pub? Write to the editor to the address on page eight or e-mail [email protected].
