Campaigners launch share offer to save village pub

Villagers say they have already lost their Post Office and bus service

Villagers hoping to save a popular pub that has been closed for more than a year have launched a fundraising campaign to buy it.

The Elm Tree Inn has been at the heart of Langton Herring for more than three centuries but shut in November 2023.

Campaign group Friends of the Elm Tree hopes to bring the pub into community ownership and has already raised half of the £600,000 needed.

Anne Kerins, who is on the steering committee, said "it would mean everything" to see the pub back open.

Campaigners are raising money through shares, grants, donations and events.

She said: "We do not have a bus service or a Post Office or a shop – they have all gone.

"The pub was the last thing to go and we are really quite upset about it.

"There are people stuck at home with nowhere to go.

"There's a strong sense of community. A lot of people would love to go to the pub and meet friends – single people, retired people who are on their own – who would like to be able to go out.

"It gives everybody a sense of wellbeing if they can go and meet people, even if it's only for half an hour."

Earlier this month, the group published a business plan and, on Monday, offered shares in the business, with a £200 minimum investment.

Anne is one of six steering committee members, supported by many more volunteers.

They also aim to raise funds through grants, donations and fundraising events.

Community interest companies have been used increasingly recent years to save local assets such as village shops and pubs.

The Drovers Inn in Gussage All Saints, Corner House Stores in Broadmayne and the White Lion in Broadwindsor are among the facilities that have been saved by local communities.