A LEICESTERSHIRE pub is getting ready to open its doors again as a ‘community owned pub’, after being purchased by local residents.
The Bell Inn in Frisby on the Wreake closed in December 2020, after being hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, a small committee has been working tirelessly to save the pub, near Melton Mowbray, and it’s now getting ready to open its doors again, after locals raised over £300,000 to save their beloved local.
£150,000 was secured last week from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund (COF).
The funding will help the community group to realise their plans for a community hub, which will welcome its first customers over the next couple of weeks.
Steve Hardy, vice chair and treasurer of the Bell Inn Frisby Community Group, said it was “great news” for the 19th- century pub, which sits at the heart of the community.
“We couldn’t have done it without with support of our local MP Alicia Kearnes and the local community who themselves have invested money to secure the future of the Bell Inn at Frisby on the Wreake,” he added.
“This is another huge milestone for the pub. We have a plan to open the pub in the coming weeks and this funding will really help to set the business up for success.
“As a committee, The Bell Inn Frisby Community Group (TBIFCG) couldn’t be happier with the progress made and the future now is very bright.”
Villagers from another Leicestershire pub, The Red Lion, are also trying to do the same for their local, which sits in Stathern.
Over £150,000 has been raised for the cause so far.
“Our aim is to create a warm and welcoming community hub, which will provide an innovative and outstanding place in which to socialise and celebrate village life,” said a spokesman.
Head to www.savetheredlionstathern.com to find out more.
