Grants are being offered to help rural pubs in Cumbria provide new services for their communities, in a ground-breaking tie-in between the trade and a council.
Pubs could get money for a range of services including post offices, dry cleaners and internet access as part of the joint scheme between Cumbria County Council and Pub is the Hub.
The group has already begun looking at which pubs would be suitable for the grants.
Licensees at villages with less than 3,000 people can apply themselves if they think their community would benefit from extra services at their pub.
Two council officers have joined major pubcos on the regional advisory group of Pub is the Hub in the north west to co-ordinate the new scheme.
Pub is the Hub co-ordinator John Longden said a number of Government agencies have been approached for funding and the amount of money available is not yet known. But he expected the budget to reach £200,000 over three years.
"We are looking to identify if these pubs can support rural services that will improve the whole character of the area, as well as the pub," said Longden.
"It's delightful to see the support from the industry and the recognition from local auth-
orities. It shows people do
care about pubs in their community."
Punch's regional estates executive Andy Bowden, who sits on the committee, said: "What better way for licensees to entrench themselves in village life than through the provision of a post office, convenience store or similar service? We will do everything we can to help our retailers diversify their customer offerings."
The new scheme mirrors the "Living Locals" initiative in Leicestershire, where village pubs can apply for grants of £5,000 for community services.
But the Cumbrian scheme goes further because the steering group actively looks at which services would suit which pubs. The long-term aim is to have a strategy for every suitable pub in Cumbria.
Longden expects the scheme will get going in the next six months or so. But hosts can apply now by calling Sarah Burns at Pub is the Hub on 01423 568987 or the council's regeneration unit on 01228 606060.