Residents living in a village near Burnham-On-Sea are celebrating this week after their bid to save their village pub was given a major boost.
The Watchfield Inn has been closed for over eight months. And Burnham Without Parish Council, which fears for its future, has this week been told its bid to register the pub as an ‘asset of community value’ with Sedgemoor District Council has been successful.
Alistair Gordon, Chairman of the Parish Council, pictured, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We are delighted that the Watchfield Inn here in Watchfield is now successfully registered as a Asset of Community Value.”
“To kick off the hard work, we are holding a first-step public meeting on 4th November in Watchfield Village Hall at 7pm.”
“As many interested ex-customers and locals are invited along. We aim to explore all the options open for us to try and have the pub re-opened in 2016.”
“The registration gives time for everyone interested to consider what future options there might be for the pub. Amongst other obligations for the pub owners, registration means that if there is an intention to change its existing use, they will have to inform the local community what they propose doing instead.”
The Watchfield Inn has remained shut since February and it is no longer advertised for letting or sale by Enterprise Inns, the owners, online.
Mr Gordon added: “The owners have chosen to remain silent on any future plans they have.”
In a slight twist to the registration itself, Sedgemoor District Council was unable to register the associated camp site behind the pub as the law involved doesn’t cover such an area. The pub’s car park, though, has been included.
Those interested in the application but who can’t make the meeting can contact watchfieldsomerset@gmail.com to be kept informed.
