VILLAGERS in Burton-in-Lonsdale are calling on people to help them save the last remaining pub in the village by becoming a shareholder.

A recent packed village meeting saw the launch of a much awaited share offer which it is hoped will bring The Punch Bowl Inn into community ownership. The share prospectus was presented to villagers at the meeting, and the purchase of shares is now live.

The Punch Bowl, in Low Street, closed its doors in February this year and was put up for sale with a price tag of around £315,000. The pub which has 'superb countryside views' incudes two bar areas, a dining area, four guest rooms and owner's accommodation.

Following its closure, there began a massive effort by a group of villagers to save the pub by bringing it into community ownership. A Community Benefit Society was quickly formed and after several packed village meetings which fully endorsed the plan, the campaign began in earnest.

The main focus was to secure funding by applying for a grant from the government’s Levelling Up Fund - The Community Ownership Fund.

A spokesperson for the group, said: "A massive amount of work went into preparing the application, which was submitted in early April. Unfortunately the general election intervened and for the moment this vital funding opportunity is on hold, the outcome, unknown.

"However, time is of the essence and undaunted, the village renewed its efforts to raise the needed capital to bring about the purchase of the Punch Bowl, and now, the culmination of five months work has resulted in the launch of the share offer."

The group says it needs to raise £275,000 to buy the pub; but overall it needs between £445,000 and £495,000 to both buy it and to transform it into a pub for the community, making it an invaluable village asset not just for the residents of Burton-in-Lonsdale but also to its many visitors.

The spokesperson added: "Too many rural communities are dying because of the loss of such vital community facilities and Burton does not wish to be just one more village without a successful pub at its heart."

All the documents that support the Share Offer - Share Prospectus, including frequently asked questions, a business plan, community engagement plan and an application form to buy shares, can be seen on the group website: https://www.burtoncommunityinn.com/ and select share offer from the menu.

Anyone who would like to find out more can also email: burtoncommunitypub@gmail.com.