Residents in Semington are backing a campaign to reopen the 18th century Somerset Arms, which has been closed for more than two years.
Villagers have formed the Semington Pub Action Group, with the aim of the community buying the pub and leasing it to an experienced operator at an affordable rent. For the project to work, the group needs to raise an estimated £200,000 from the village.
“We think we can count on raising the funds from the village and source a fantastic amount of practical help,” said Ian Williamson from the action group.
As well as fundraising, the group will need to find other sources of funding. Ian said, “We’re in touch with a number of other pubs who have been on this journey already and we’re very grateful for the help they are giving us.
The Somerset Arms closed in 2023 and at the time, Semington Parish Council submitted a successful application to have the building registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
This registration triggered a notification to the parish council that the owners of the Somerset Arms, Wellington Group, intended to put it up for sale. However, under the ACV terms, the community has the right to bid to buy the pub.
The group has the backing of the other residents in the village following a survey where 95 per cent of the 246 people who responded said a pub in Semington is important, with 40 per cent rating it ‘essential.’
At the time of closure, some residents expressed disappointment, including a couple who moved to the village so the husband could reach a pub on his mobility scooter.
In the survey, around 150 villagers offered practical support in a variety of roles, from fundraising to refurbishing the pub once it is bought. More than 90 said they would be interested in buying shares, with another 70 answering ‘maybe.’
The action group is now working on a solid business plan for the pub and will be holding a meeting with supporters on 12th November. It has also created a Facebook page.
Pictured: The Semington Pub Action Group
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