A total of almost a hundred people in Milverton village turned up to hear a proposal for saving the village pub at two meetings specially convened by the Parish Council last Friday and Saturday.

Held in the Victoria Rooms, the council presented a structured proposal to save The Globe Inn, the village’s last remaining pub, highlighting the urgent need to preserve it as a central hub.

The pub, which has served the community for over 300 years, is currently closed and a working party came up with the proposal after the parish council was asked earlier this year to acquire it for the community, after a local fund-raising drive was unsuccessful.

“Feedback from attendees was generally positive, reflecting strong enthusiasm for saving the village landmark,” the council said in a press release.

The proposal outlined a collaborative ownership model which would see:

Milverton Parish Council acquiring the property by securing an approximate £500,000 fixed-rate loan through the Public Works Loan Board;

A new Community Benefit Society formed as a non-profit, volunteer-run entity which would lease the pub from the parish council;

A professional commercial tenant responsible for the day-to-day running of the pub, operating a daytime café, evening food and drinks service, and supporting local suppliers.

To fund the acquisition, the parish council presented the financial impact on a Band D property in the village, showing a 25-year loan would require an extra £70.18 annually, while a 50-year loan would cost an extra £59.91 annually.

“Successful precedents nationwide support the plan, showing nearly 200 community pubs operating with a 92 per cent survival rate. Contingency plans are also in place if the venue fails, including tenant replacement or property resale,” the press release said.

Residents will be able to view the presentation on the parish council website.