Should the Parish Council buy the Duke?

The Duke of Wellington closes after this weekend despite the hard work put in by James and Paula. We understand the pub company intends to sell. In anticipation of this eventuality the Parish Council took out an Asset of Community Value on the pubs some years back and renewed them before Christmas. These don’t mean that the pub company has to sell to the village but in the event of a sale being announced, by triggering the powers under the ACV, we have six months to raise a bid and no one else can buy in that period.

We’re already in communication with Stonegate, a number of professional advisors and fund holders as well as other villages and councils which have successfully bought their pubs and want to help us retain ours.

First we need to know what the village thinks. Is it a good idea to raise the money to save the Duke as a community pub and village asset? You can PM me or any Parish Councillor. You can also attend the Annual Parish Assembly on Tuesday next (13th) at 7.30 in the Village Hall. Let us know your thoughts.