A community group trying to buy and renovate its village pub has received a boost from a national charity. The Plunkett Foundation has committed to providing a grant of £50,000 towards the project on the condition that the Exelby Green Dragon Community Pub Ltd raises the bulk of the funds needed through its recently launched share offer.
“This is a huge vote of confidence in the viability of our plans,” said John Walker, a Secretary of the company formed by residents of Exelby to buy the pub. “Already we have had a great response to the launch of our share offer and now we are half way there with just over a month to go. By investing in our community pub people can help us to release this valuable grant. Not only will investing in the Green Dragon provide a good rate of interest but it also offers a unique opportunity to own a share in a lovely Dales pub.”
James Alcock, Executive Director at Plunkett Foundation, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to support Exelby Green Dragon Community Pub who are working hard to make sure their community can benefit from everything that having a thriving local pub brings. According to CAMRA, 18 pubs are closing a week. In comparison, community pubs have a 100% survival rate showing that they are so much more than a place to buy a drink; they provide important social spaces and services for local people and are central to their community’s sense of place and identity.”
Plans to revitalise Green Dragon, once one of the most popular pubs in the area, include the re-establishment of a community shop and delicatessen with a café and the refurbishment of the adjoining cottage as affordable housing for local people. The pub itself will get a major facelift, including a smart new outdoor area and a kitchen fit for producing top quality meals. “We aim to offer good food with a strong emphasis on using local suppliers, a range of local beers and spirits, said Mr Walker.
More information on the share offer can be found on www.exelbygreendragonpub.co.uk
