IT has been revealed more than £200,000 has been raised as part of an ongoing battle to save a village pub near Stroud.

Campaigners reached the milestone after more than 300 people backed the project to buy and reopen Nympsfield’s last remaining pub - the Rose & Crown Inn.

It is hoped the 19th century boozer - which has been closed since March 2023 - is eventually bought and run as a community pub.

The money was raised as part of a share offer scheme giving people the opportunity to purchase shares and own part of the pub. 

The offer was due to close on November 6 - but has now been extended until January 31, 2025.

Organisers from Nympsfield Community Pub Limited say they hope to raise at least £400,000 to help allow the group to buy, renovate and reopen the site. 

L to R; treasurer Michael Hair,  vice chair Jon Gazzard, secretary Dan Stewart and chair Matthew Burke - photo by Simon Pizzey 

The pub could be 'lost forever'

Chair of the interim management committee Matthew Burke said: “The amount raised so far is an incredible achievement.

“It demonstrates a strong desire from the local community and the wider area to see the Rose & Crown Inn trading again, but this time as a community-owned pub. 

“Failure to purchase the pub could give the current owner grounds to convert the building into housing, meaning the Rose & Crown Inn would be lost forever. 

“The pub has a long history of being financially successful, but is currently closed because of the building's poor condition as a result of long-term chronic underinvestment. 

“We encourage anyone who is thinking about investing to do it as soon as possible, as your money will help to unlock more investment.”

The Rose & Crown Inn has been at the heart of the Nympsfield since the mid-1800s. 

Organisers say they want to ensure the pub’s place as a central part of village life for generations to come.

If reopened as a community pub, plans include opening a café and village shop at the site.

To download the business plan, share offer prospectus, and see the online share application form, visit nympsfieldcommunitypub.co.uk

The share offer is open until January 31 to anyone over the age of 16 - you do not have to live in Nympsfield. 

The share offer scheme for the Rose & Crown Inn has been extended until January 31, 2025 - photo by Simon Pizzey Villagers celebrating the launch of the Rose & Crown Inn community share offer in September - photo by Simon Pizzey