A campaign to save a historic Semington pub has reached a key stage as residents are invited to pledge how much they would invest in its purchase.
The Semington Community Benefit Society (CBS), formed by residents, is aiming to buy and reopen the Somerset Arms, which has been closed since 2023.
The pledges mark a crucial step in showing whether there is enough community backing to progress with the purchase of the 18th-century pub.
Supporters can submit a non-binding pledge indicating how much they may invest in community shares until Wednesday 3rd June. Each share costs £1, with a minimum investment of £250 and a maximum of £50,000 for over-18s.
Those aged 16 to 18 can invest a minimum of £100. The pledge stage will help the society assess the level of financial support available before making an offer. If the project moves forward, pledges will be converted into formal share purchases.
The Somerset Arms is on the market with Wellington Pub Company with an asking price of £395,000 plus VAT. Additional funding will be needed for restoration work.
Chair of the CBS Ian said, “The energy and hard work that the community is putting into this project is amazing and a privilege to be part of. We are looking forward to purchasing and reimagining this essential bit of village heritage and securing a tenant who shares our vision for it. Of course, this will require a great deal of financial support from the local and wider community but with the current momentum, we are very optimistic that we can achieve our goal.”
MP Brian Mathew is supporting the campaign. He said, “Pubs are a vital community hub, particularly in our rural villages and I wish this campaign every success and endeavour to do all that I can to help. I cannot wait to enjoy a pint in the reopened pub as soon as possible.”
Pledges can be made at https://www.savethesomersetarms.co.uk/ and the Society is also accepting donations at https://shorturl.at/Uic2b
You can also follow the campaign on Facebook and Instagram.
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