Last orders might have been called at an Eden village pub unless enough community support can be found to save it.
The Crown Inn, at Morland, which is listed as an asset of community value, closed two weeks ago. But attempts are being made to see if there is enough interest for a steering group to be formed to lead a community buy-out.
As the only public house in Morland, it was used as a venue for many village groups and events. On Wednesday, the regular pub quiz was instead held at The Studio, Morland. Steve Wilson, chairman of Morland Parish Council, said the issue of Morland pub was on the agenda of its September meeting.
However, in the meantime, some parish councillors have met up with people keen to lead a potential community buy-out of the pub. They aim to gauge the level of support before going further.
“It is four or five years since we first put in the option for the community to buy it with what was then Eden District Council, which has been renewed. However, it doesn’t look as though there is enough community support,” said Mr Wilson.
He said the pub was a valuable community resource, but around the country village pubs were dying.
“It is a shame that it has actually just closed. It closed last week,” said Mr Wilson, who added that it would “bankrupt the parish council” if it took it over.
What was needed, he said, was a separate, committed group, independent of the parish council, which would be able to dedicate their time to the pub.
A survey is at present being undertaken to determine whether there is support in the village for the formation of a steering group to look into securing grant funding matched by funds from people becoming shareholders.
If any interest is shown there will be a meeting in Morland village hall on 5th September to discuss next steps, but it will only go ahead if enough individuals come forward.
