Villagers in Chilcompton are hoping that they will gain the support of the community to help keep their local pub alive. The Redan public house, which closed again a few weeks ago, has now been put up for sale and a group interested in saving it, 'The Friends of the Redan', is appealing for anyone with experience in running a community asset or with the funds to put behind it, to get in touch.
There was once as many as seven inns in the village, but now it is down to one, and local residents are still hoping that The Redan might be saved. In preparation for this day, the property was registered as an 'Asset of Community Value' last year, meaning that if any community group shows an interest in the next six weeks, then a full moratorium period will be triggered so that no sale can take place before December 27th 2014, giving The Friends some extra time to come up with a plan.
Andrew Moore, Coordinator of the Friends of the Redan, said: "It was a sad day when The Redan closed again and having been unable to relet it, the owners have decided that disposal is the best option.
"Friends of the Redan is keen that it should remain open as a pub at the heart of our community and is exploring options for a bid.
If you are interested in helping, have ideas about how it could be achieved, or just happen to have the money needed burning a hole in your pocket, contact us through: http://www.theredanchilcompton.co.uk"">www.theredanchilcompton.co.uk"
The Friends say the pub will most likely need a new kitchen and refurbishment, having stood empty. They have received endorsement and interest from the Parish Council to restore the building back to its former glory. The Redan has always been well known locally as a traditional pub and The Friends hope that it could offer 'pub grub', continue its history of live music, charity quizzes, skittles, darts and pool and potentially offer takeaway or a coffee facility for the village during the day. Villagers even recall language classes and part of the pub once used as a bistro.
Like the project to save The Lamb at Clandown, The Friends will be investigating ways in which funds can be raised and grants accessed to keep this facility. There are fears that the land at the back of the pub could be sold to a developer and the facility lost if another option is not found.
The pub was built in 1840 and named The Redan in 1855 after a ferocious battle in the Crimean War.