CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the historic Raven inn at Glazebury are exploring Government funding to help purchase the pub.
In July the Government launched a new £150 million “Community Ownership Fund” to help support voluntary and community organisations from across the UK to take ownership of community assets at risk of being lost, without community intervention, and run them as sustainable community businesses. Pubs are included as eligible assets.
The fund will contribute up to 50 per cent of the total capital costs with the applicant having to raise the other funding through other sources.
Applicants will be able to bid for:
• Up to £250,000 capital funding
• Funding for project development, including professional fees
• Up to £50,000 revenue funding to help to develop a sustainable business model.
Save the Raven Group spokesman Peter Sturman said: “This is excellent news for everyone who has been fighting to save the Raven.
“Whilst we have our two local business people, who have been trying to purchase the Raven, for the community, this fund represents an opportunity to meet up to half the purchase cost, plus financial help towards other necessary costs.
“The fact it has been introduced, following on from the ability to protect as an Asset of Community Value, highlights continuing Government concern about the loss of community assets like the Raven”.
