Co-op Enterprise Hub helps save pubs

Saving local pubs from closure received a boost this week, as an organisation run by the Co-operative Group went nationwide.

The Co-operative Enterprise Hub helps community groups set up and run businesses, and gives advice on business planning and legal issues, as well as offering training and finance packages that can include a grant of up to £5,000.

The Group has invested £7.5m in the scheme since 2009, and has been rolling it out regionally in the past year.

"Many people remain unsure how to set up a co-operative enterprise and turn their ideas into reality," explained Angela Davies,

the Co-operative Group's

co-operative development manager.

"Very often in rural areas, the pub is the last one to go and now we're seeing many communities making a stand."

So far, it has helped three pubs, with the most a community group has raised being £220,000 to save the George & Dragon in Hudswell, North Yorkshire.

More recently, a community group for the Fox & Hounds at Ennerdale Bridge, Cumbria, raised £67,000 in eight days to save the pub from closure.

The group elected a new tenant, hired a chef and had the pub up and running in less than six weeks.

Project co-ordinator for the Cumbrian pub Peter Maher explained that people are still buying shares and, so far, the group has 182 members, contributing £83,000.

He said: "It's interesting, but very exhausting and hard work. My advice to others looking to do this is to make sure you have the belief that it is possible because many told me that it wasn't going to work. And you need to understand the impact on the community.

"By setting up the pub again, I've noticed that people are now coming together, because there's a place to meet and socialise."