AN anonymous buyer could be on the verge of saving a popular Culm Valley village public house. 

An offer has been received and accepted by The Ostler Inn, Uffculme, where villagers set up a campaign to save the pub.

The Ostler, which is the only one in the village, was at risk of closure last summer, spurring locals to start their ‘Save the Ostler’ campaign. 

The campaign was initiated by Sam and Geraint Evans in August, with the aim of raising awareness of the pub’s situation and generating interest locally. 

The couple said: “Can you imagine Uffculme without a pub, can you imagine what implications that might have? It could be our reality.

“As the winds of change sweep through the landscape of small businesses, it is with a determined spirit that we rally together for a common cause: to ensure the doors of The Ostler Pub remain open and welcoming for generations to come.”

Campaigners attended the Uffculme Show and Country Fayre, where they spoke with visitors about their work, shared stories about the pub, and informed locals about how they can help the cause. 

They have focused on The Ostler’s nearly 300-year history and its role as a community hub. 

Recently, it was announced on the campaign’s Facebook page that the Ostler has accepted an offer for the pub. 

The post said: “While we acknowledge that a sale is not guaranteed, we are buzzing with confidence.

“The interested party is genuinely committed to investing in and running the Ostler Inn as our cherished village pub.

“We’re not hitting the brakes on contingency plans, but the overall vibe is optimistic – The Ostler Inn is on its way to being saved.”

While the potential new owner of the pub has not been announced, the village community is thrilled that the pub could stay open and keep its local and historic feel.