Final funding push to reopen derelict village pub

Tina Simpson (right) said she was "totally passionate" about bringing the pub back into use

Villagers say they are close to gathering enough funds to reopen a dilapidated Warwickshire pub that shut a decade ago.

The Grade II listed White Lion pub in Pailton has been empty since it closed in 2014.

Pailton Parish Council bought it in 2019 and last month was awarded £2.04m by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore the building and turn it into a community hub.

Volunteers said they were "working hard behind the scenes" to access the remaining money needed to complete the project within two years.

Architects have drawn up plans which were approved and given listed building consent

Tina Simpson is vice-chair of the parish council and leads a working group which will run the hub as a Community Interest Company (CIC).

"I'm totally passionate about the project," she said, "it's going to put the heart back into the village."

Once one of six pubs in Pailton, the White Lion is the last one standing and a social club closed two years ago.

Plans for the 18th Century former coaching inn include a community shop, pub and cafe restaurant, and post office.

There will also be space for artisan producers in a former stable-block and overnight accommodation.

"We're going to change the look of it completely," Ms Simpson said.

"Beautiful green gardens at the front with vegetable beds and gardens at the back for the kids to play in.

"As much as we can cram in to help every single person in our community to have somewhere to meet and socialise."

The community hopes to reopen the pub within two years, if it can secure the remaining funding needed

The project still needs 30% of the total funding and the working group awaits the outcome of an application to the government's Community Ownership Fund, delayed by the election.

"It's frustrating... the longer we wait the longer it delays the project," Ms Simpson said. "We want the government to do something and do something quickly."

Community volunteers also hope to contribute £30,000 to the project through monthly quizzes, an annual garden party and an art festival later this month.

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