A COMMUNITY effort by a Tameside village to buy its local pub is progressing well.
The Broadbottom Community Pub Group, made up of local residents, is bidding to raise the funds required to turn The Harewood Arms into a community-run venture.
They made the move after interest in taking on the Market Street venue was quiet after owner Phil Wild, who is retiring, put the pub up for sale.
Since launching earlier this year, the campaign – supported by local councillors and MP Jonathan Reynolds – has already raised almost £90,000 in community share pledges.
Grenville Lunn, Secretary of the Broadbottom Community Pub Group, said: “We would like to say a very big thanks to everyone who’s pledged to get us this far. If you’ve not pledged, this is your chance to push us beyond the £100,000 mark.”
Anyone who would like more information or make a pledge can email communityharewood@gmail.com or send a message to the ‘Save The Harewood Arms’ Facebook page.
Not only are funds being raised, the group is progressing a business plan, commissioning an independent business evaluation, and developing financial models.
Tameside Council has also recently determined that The Harewood Arms is an Asset of Community Value – a ruling which the group has welcomed as it will help with their negotiations with funding bodies.
A full update will be given at the group’s next public meeting on Tuesday, August 13, at 7pm in the back room at The Harewood Arms – where people can also ask any questions they may have about the campaign.
A recent quiz in the pub, which was packed, gave a £300 boost to the coffers and more fundraising events are also being planned.
A Cakes, Bakes and Makes event will be held in the back room of the pub on Saturday, August 24, from 2pm to 4pm as a way of celebrating local makers.