RESIDENTS in north Herefordshire have almost secured the future of a 17th century pub in their village.

The Boot Inn in Orleton closed in June 2017 which prompted villagers to join together to take ownership of the pub.

They set up the Orleton Community Benefit Society and after months of disappointments and difficult negotiations the end is in sight.

Negotiations have concluded with the liquidator agreeing to a realistic price enabling the community to take ownership of the pub.

The news comes hot on the heels of the successful community purchase of another Herefordshire pub, The Bell at Yarpole.

John Alderman, chairman of Orleton’s Community Benefit Society, said it has been a difficult process.

He said: “Our vision to put The Boot back at the heart of our community is just a few steps away thanks to our many supporters. We have received a significant number of generous pledges from individuals and local businesses to provide financial investment.

“Following successful completion of the sale process we will commence repairs and refurbishment of the building and be selecting an experienced and proactive tenanted licensee to run the business.”

They will offer a low rent for a long term tenant and hope to have the pub back open in around six months.

They need to carry out refurbishment work on the building, which includes a new roof.

The bid has received the full support of CAMRA and the Plunkett Foundation, a charity which supports community buy-outs and enterprises.

The capital cost of the plan is projected to be £450,000 which includes £300,000 in shares from the community and £100,000 through the Plunkett organisation as a package of grant and loans.

They are buying the pub for £280,000.

They aim to have a friendly and welcoming village pub that serves local beers and sensibly priced, freshly prepared food.

They also want to introduce a range of community amenities including a café, coffee and lunch clubs for older and less mobile people and potentially more.

They also hope to renovate the small black and white listed building at the back of the pub as a small museum, meeting room and exhibition

space, to be available during open hours or by arrangement.

If you would like to invest in the pub then go to thecommunitybootinn.co.uk to view the share offer and download a prospectus.