Bucks group hoping to buy local pub welcome £150 million Community Ownership fund announcement

The Chancellor has announced it as part of this years budget

Author: Scarlett Bawden-GaulPublished 3rd Mar 2021
Last updated 3rd Mar 2021

A Buckinghamshire group looking to save their local pub has welcomed the announcement.

The Ley Hill Community Pub Limited has been set up by a group of residents with the aim of purchasing The Swan, which is in danger of being developed.

The 500 year old grade II listed building is under threat of development to be turned into a residential property.

Today in his budget announcement Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, announced a £150 million Community Ownership Fund which would allow communities to purchase pubs, theatres, shops or local sports clubs at risk of being lost

Anne Birkett from the 'Save Our Swan Group' told us why the pub means so much:

"It was great news when we first heart it that communities like ours were going to be allowed to bid for money to help save local pubs like ours.

"It means an awful lot, pubs in small communities like ours mean so much to the community.

"It has taken such a lot of hard work, planning and commitment from local people to get here. As well as support from the wider community.

"Hopefully this fund with help our goal become a reality."

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