RESIDENTS in Norton Lindsey are raising a glass after being awarded funding to also run a shop and cafe from the village’s newly-acquired pub.
Warwick District Council has granted £38,500 to the community group working to save the historic New Inn and make it a hub for the village.
The pub was saved from developers in December after residents raised over £330,000 to buy the pub and run it themselves.
A manager for the pub has been appointed and the building is undergoing a refurbishment.
And the group are now working to install a purpose built timber building to house a village shop in place of a run-down garage on the site.
District council finance spokesman Coun Peter Whiting said: “I applaud the Norton Lindsey Community Pub Ltd for all the fundraising and engagement work it has already done in the local community and for coming up with a very sound business plan, which will not only mitigate the loss of the pub, but will replace it with a vibrant and enterprising focal point for everyone in the village.”
And Rob Brook, grant and funding manager for the New Inn, was delighted at the progress being made.
He added: “Having been overwhelmed by the community’s support to purchase the New Inn in December, we’re now absolutely delighted that Warwick District Council have also supported our vision to make the pub the hub of the village by helping us to provide a community shop within the site of the New Inn.
“The village has a large number of elderly residents and poor public transport and the creation of a local shop will provide a source of essential items.
“It will also prevent other villagers having to travel outside the village to pick up essentials thus helping the environment by reducing the amount of miles covered, and will also increase employment within the area as it will have to be staffed.”
It is hoped the pub will open its doors in April.
Visit www.nlcp.ltd for more information.
