A WEST Malvern pub currently facing uncertainty over its future could become community-owned after more than 100 village residents expressed an interest in buying shares to part own it.
The Brewers Arms on Lower Dingle has been closed for two weeks after its previous licensees left the premises and returned the keys to owners Admiral Taverns several weeks before their initial six month lease was due to expire.
It is currently unclear when the pub will re-open again with Admiral Taverns looking to recruit a new licensee.
But within the past fortnight a new six-man team, for all whom are concerned for the pub’s future, has been set up to help deliver a community bid which could see village residents own shares in the pub by forming a new cooperative company.
The new company will be set up to raise the money needed, via a share issue, to buy the pub and run it on behalf of the local community and in doing so protect its future.
Once enough money is raised, the committee will then seek to enter formal negotiations with Admiral Taverns.
The committee says the pub being community owned would help put it on a strong financial footing and give shareholders full control of it including making future appointments of licensees.
A public meeting held earlier this month was packed with more than 100 people expressing an interest in buying shares for the pub.
But it is not yet clear exactly how much funds will be needed to make a bid for the pub.
West Malvern resident Mark Haslam, who is part of the six-man team and a regular visitor to the pub, told the Observer: “What The Brewers Arms needs is stability which it is not had in recent times.
“It is clear people are worried about the pub’s future and we believe if it can be community owned then its future could be protected. It has a lot of potential.
“Though the pub is not listed for sale we would not be running this project if we didn’t think there would be any possibility of it (community ownership) happening.”
Mr Haslam added Admiral Taverns’ current search for a new licensee would not stop a community bid from being made in the long term.
The pub’s previous licensees Shane Hobson and Karen Longden ran the pub for just three months after taking over from Chris Tandy who left the venue only weeks into his reign after he caused major controversy by initially stating children were not welcome at night times.
Admiral Taverns bosses told the Observer the pub was not for sale but would not confirm or deny that it would consider a potential bid.
Alison Martinez, business development manager, said: “The Brewers Arms is not currently on the market for sale.
“We are looking to recruit a suitable licensee so that we can get the pub open and trading again. Anyone who is keen to take on the tenancy should give our recruitment team a call on 01244 505255.”
For more information on the community bid proposal visit http://brewerscommunitypub.co.uk/.
