Community pub to open in July

News reached us yesterday that the Cumbrian village of Crosby Ravensworth would be home to a new co-operative pub after residents had raised the £255,000 necessary to purchase the Butcher's Arms, the only pub in the area.

The Lyvennet Community Pub Limited was formed by local residents who were keen to reopen the pub as a co-operative after it closed in 2009. Currently, more than 120 people have signed up as shareholders and more than 200 people are now members of the co-operative.

You may remember our blog on the Lyvennet Community Pub Limited last month. Our team provided support and advice to the co-operative earlier in the year.

Speaking about the success of the scheme, Michael Fairclough, the Co-operative Group's head of community and campaigns said that co-operative was setting an example for other communities:

"Successes such as this will act as a catalyst for other communities to explore the valuable contribution community-owned enterprises can make."

We're delighted to hear that The Butcher's Arms has raised the money necessary to reopen again and, while the villagers are still looking to raise additional funds to cover stamp duty, refurbishments and legal costs, the pub is due to serve its first pint by the end of July.

We'll see you at the bar!