Pub library gains support from Fifty Shades of Grey author

The Hightown Hotel secured funding from the local council and businesses to open the centre after being inundated with donations when the village’s original library service was cut. It even received a message of support from Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L. James, who heard about the scheme through Twitter.

Licensee Diane Lamont said: “We wanted to create a focal point where people in Hightown could meet so we turned our second bar into a centre with seating where locals can drink free tea and coffee, play games and read books.

“Our visitor’s book has received such fantastic comments about how much people appreciate it and several volunteers have come forward to help us run it.

“I hope people who feel isolated will come in and know it’s a place they can make friends.”

Punch Taverns partnership development manager Alan Wills said: “I cannot give enough praise to licensees Geoff Miler and Dianne Lamont for the sheer determination they have put into this. It was so good to hear about the support from local business and the local community in getting this community library up and running.”