Locals raise £100k plus to save Anglers Rest in Bamford, Derbyshire

The Bamford Community Society is looking to raise £320,000 in total to buy the pub. There are plans to also house a post office, café, accommodation and parking on the site.

With the pub on the open market, a community share offer - launched with support from the Co-operative Enterprise Hub - has raised £114,500 with more than 100 people coming forward to ‘co-own’ the property.

Shares in the Bamford Community Society cost from £250 up to a maximum investment of £20,000.

Focal point​

Liz Marshall, a member of the Bamford Community Society steering group, said: “We are delighted with the response and support that we have received so far.

“Many rural services have come under pressure and, one way for them to survive and prosper is through community ownership. We believe our plans will provide a sustainable future for our amenities while creating a focal point for village life that can regenerate the local economy and enhance community cohesion.”

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.”

For more information visit the pub website.​