A THRIVING community is banding together to buy and reopen the only pub in two neighbouring villages.

The Lamarsh Lion (right), which serves Lamarsh and Alphamstone, closed in May and was set to be converted into a house.

But now residents are investing in a Community Benefit Society which plans to buy the public house.

With a target of £500,000, the group are off to a flying start with £268,700 from 132 pledges, but know there is a long way to go.

Chairman of the 10-man management committee, Robert Erith, said: “Considering there are only 180 people in Lamarsh, we are off to a fantastic start.

“By selling a lot of small shares, it shows that the whole community want the pub to stay, and want to have this as a community asset within the village.

“There is an enormous amount to do, we are in this for the long run but we are off to a great start.

“There certainly is a buzz and momentum around the project and it is very exciting to be involved with.”

The Lamarsh Lion has been on its site for more than 700 years and historically had a much wider pull, which has resulted in pledges coming in from across the country and overseas.

Looking at the long-term future, the committee want to see the pub used as frequently as possible, whether that be as a meeting point, for tea and coffee mornings, or to host events such as receptions, as well as the potential to provide accommodation.

Mr Erith added: “The phrase we keep coming back to is ‘more than just a pub’, and that is what we want. The pub should be something used by the whole community, in a whole host of ways.

“We have lived here 50 years and have had immense fun in the pub. I want that to continue, and I want to give something back to this community.”

One share can be bought for £50, while anyone is allowed to purchase as many as 2,000 shares.

Visit www.lamarshlion. co.uk to get involved.