Village finally reopens pub after 11-year fight to stop developers

The Rising Solar has reopened to the general public in Woodcroft, Gloucestershire, after ten lengthy years (Image: SWNS)

Villagers are toasting the grand reopening of their native pub after elevating £500,000 to cease builders turning it into flats.

Their tireless marketing campaign to purchase and save The Rising Solar, in Woodcroft, Gloucestershire, took 11 years.

As soon as the locals raised the money, they started renovating the deserted and tacky pub themselves.

At Saturday’s reopening, campaigner Michelle Hayes stated the village was ‘completely thrilled’.

‘This can be a testomony, not solely to the onerous work of the committee and neighborhood who've come collectively to assist with renovations,’ the GP stated.

‘They'd perception on this undertaking and are supporting the pub, making it one thing actually particular now it's open as a significant neighborhood hub.’

Lynne Fletcher, who lived close to the pub when it closed in October 2011, stated: ‘We weren’t too anxious when it shut as a result of the property brokers stated it was being offered as a pub.

It was a bunch effort to get the pub prepared for the reopening (Image: SWNS)

A model new entrance was constructed (Image: SWNS)

The pub fell into disrepair within the ten years because it closed (Image: SWNS)

Locals mucked in to renovate the pub (Image: SWNS)

‘The primary indication one thing was unsuitable was when a neighbour requested a workman how lengthy earlier than it could be earlier than it reopened once more. He advised him: “It’ll by no means open as a pub once more, mate.”’

Residents battled with planning purposes and appeals, and the council declared The Rising Solar a neighborhood asset in 2013.

The builders who purchased the pub finally agreed to promote it final yr to the ‘Save Our Solar’ group, who raised over £300,000 and secured a £175,000 grant from the Authorities.

Lynne added: ‘It’s been an extended struggle and to be trustworthy there have been instances we in all probability would have given up with out Michelle, however she doggedly caught at it.

‘It’s the kind of village that folks drive by means of. Now when folks come up the hill, they see the pub all lit up and it appears to be like cosy and welcoming.’

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