Villagers in Halse are this week celebrating completing the first stage of buying their local pub, The New Inn, as a community hostelry.

Contracts were exchanged after almost £330,000 was pledged by local people to renovate and purchase the former 18th Century coaching inn in the picturesque village, two miles from Bishops Lydeard on the A358.

The deal, including surveying villagers’ views on what they wanted to happen to the pub, organising cash pledges, appointing pub managers and planning extensive renovations, was all completed in 14 hectic weeks.

The pub, which has been called the New Inn since 1788, closed last weekend for five weeks for extensive refurbishments – heating, electrical, kitchen and cellar work plus redecoration of the bar. The ownership scheme includes applications for grants to complete the refurbishment.

The formal opening is planned for Sunday, October 11. Refurbishment of the pub’s skittle alley will be carried out in March next year, to allow a cafe and better use of outside space.

Mike Davis, vice-chairman of the newly formed Halse and District Community Benefit Society, said: “When we first heard the pub was under threat at the end of May it soon became clear there was a real desire for the village to come together and do something.

“This whole exciting project could not have got off the ground and progressed so quickly without the whole support of the community. More than 20 people are now working on different elements of the project and we currently have 150 shareholders. A share in the pub costs from £100 to buy.

“It was vital for us to get this project properly and adequately financed to allow us to renovate the New Inn properly, and to have been able to set aside proper funds to allow us to do this over the next few weeks and months.”

The new management team at The New Inn are Ellie Wakeman and Jake Wilde, both of whom started working in pubs and restaurants in their teenage years.

Jake said: “We are looking forward to serving the local community and visitors to the area. We will have a menu that caters for a wide range of tastes, making sure we provide exceptional value and a great experience with a good selection of wines, beers and non-alcoholic options.”

New research shows that local communities are now running more than 300 pubs across the UK, many of which were facing closure before being saved by locals.

A spokesman for The Plunkett Foundation, which offers support and finance packages to communities taking over ownership of pubs and shops, and is a potential fund provider of a grant for the New Inn, said: “We have been aware of the project in Halse and very impressed with the speed and efficiency involved. It is a classic case of saving a pub which would have disappeared and damaged the community”

A formal temporary road closure on Halse Road through Halse will be implemented on both sides of The New Inn to enable roof repairs, gas and water connections to be carried out. This is expected to start on Monday, October 5, and last until Saturday, October 31. For details of alternative routes visit www.one.network. For information on the works being carried out contact Halse & District Community Benefit Society on 01823 432959.