Over £190,000 has been pledged towards a community buy out of Whorlton’s historic Bridge Inn pub.
An application to turn the pub into a home was submitted to county planners late last year, sparking the formation of Whorlton Community Benefit Society, which aims to buy the property and save it as a community pub.
There are 13 objections to its change of use, including from Whorlton and Westwick Parish Council and the Darlington branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)
A packed-out public meeting was held by the benefit society last month when it was proposed that a community share scheme be launched to buy the property.
In a follow-up meeting, Elisa Hargreaves of the society revealed a total of 66 pledges had been made so far bring the total promised by £192,740.
She said: “We have been blown away by the support of the community. We have a huge breadth of people that have contributed the bare minimum, which is amazing, and people a lot more. It is absolutely overwhelming for us.”
The meeting also heard that a viewing of the pub was carried out by society members Josh Peat and George Stastny.
Mr Peat said: “The building is generally in a good state and just needs a good once over decoration throughout – just a good spruce up.
“There was nothing structural that was noted or that had been flagged up in the valuation.
“It means if we get hold of it there are not many start-up costs, just a bit of painting and decorating.”
The building is on the market for £350,000 but Mr Peat described the asking price as a “ploy to put people off” and does not reflect its value as a viable public house.
In a letter to planners Mr Peat wrote: “It is our strong view that the current price and restrictive terms exclude a significant pool of potential purchasers, including experienced operators and a community-led purchase who would otherwise be interested in acquiring and running the pub.”
The meeting also heard from other community groups that had successfully bought out their local pubs.
These included Paul Cullen, who was part of a the Hudswell community which took over the George and Dragon, and Lorraine Rickelton, the head of fundraising for the group that bought the Traveller’s Rest in Skeeby.
Before community groups had bought their respective pubs at below the initial asking price.
