Locals raise £100k to save pub

Locals and real ale fans have raised more than £100,000 to save their much-loved pub in West Yorkshire with nearly 200 people coming forward to buy a share.

So far they have raised the £109,000 needed to buy the Fox and Goose in Hebden Bridge, via a community share.

The share offer stays open until 12 August, so the Friends Of The Fox And Goose group has stretched its target to £130,000, which will help with additional repairs and refurbishments. Shares cost from £100 up to a maximum investment of £20,000.

Dave Young, chairman of the Friends Of The Fox And Goose which was set up to help the process, said: “We are overwhelmed and delighted with the support received so far – the incredible response means the dream is now turning into reality and we hope that a final push will see us over the finishing line.

“We want to encourage the widest possible participation in what is a wonderful community project. There are now two weeks left for residents and real ale fans alike to join in this rare opportunity to own part of what truly is a community asset. We believe that community ownership will provide a sustainable foundation to preserve the character of this much loved pub for the benefit of the community now and, for future generations.”

The friends group has been helped in its community purchase by The Co-operative Enterprise Hub.

Michael Fairclough, The Co-operative’s head of community and Co-operative investment, said: “Co-operation can be key to safeguarding much-loved local assets and, this example illustrates how, by working together, communities can be a powerful catalyst for change capable of overcoming many of the challenges facing today’s society, environment and economy.”

As previously reported in db the community took action to safeguard the pub after the current landlady said she could no longer run it due to ill health. The site has been home to an alehouse since the early 14th century.