A parish council is looking into possibly increasing council tax bills so an historic village pub can re-open.
Around 100 villagers attending two meetings at the weekend to check out the proposals to save Milverton’s Globe Inn.
The rescue bid would involve the parish council taking out a £500,000 loan, with locals repaying the money over 25 or 50 years.
A previous community attempt to raise £580,000 to keep the pub open failed when a bid for a government grant was not forthcoming.
Read more
Major fire tears through Somerset industrial estate destroying businesses
Motorcyclist dies after crash on major Somerset A-road
Historic Somerset cheesemaker wins five 'fantastic' global awards
Subsequently, Mark and Adele Tarry, who had run The Globe for 18 years and still live above the pub, called last order two years ago.
Cllr Trevor Phelps, who was among three people leading last weekend’s meetings, said: “It’s in the very early stages and will be a long journey.
“But, I’ve done a lot of research on other places, and it’s feasible.
“All council tax payers would have to pay a precept on their council tax.
"It’s a bold move and there will be another parish council meeting to see the way forward.”
The initiative would see Milverton Parish Council taking out a fixed rate loan of £500,00 through the Public Works Loan Board.
The repayments would be funded by an extra £70.18 annual council tax precept on Band D properties over 25 years, or £59.91 over 50 years - up 70.7per cent or 60.3per cent respectively on the current rates.
A community benefit society would be formed to lease the pub from the council, while a commercial tenant would be installed to take on the running of the 16th century venue.
Cllr Phelps added: “The Globe is the village’s last remaining pub, which has served the community for over 300 years.
“With all other local pubs lost to residential development, the presentation highlighted the urgent need to preserve the venue as a central hub for social activity, local employment, and community cohesion.”
Cllr Phelps said there are nearly 200 community pubs nationwide, while there is a 92per cent survival rate for all community-owned projects.
He added: “Contingency plans are also in place if the venue fails, including tenant replacement or property resale as a last resort.”
He reported the feedback from the public has been “generally positive” and “strong enthusiasm” for saving The Globe.
Share