Dr Neil Hudson MP gave his full his support to the team of local volunteers attempting to secure the future of the Miners Arms Pub in Nenthead.
Closing its doors due to pandemic lockdowns, the local community has since rallied to bring the Miners Arms into community ownership, backed by thousands of pounds of donations from local people. Currently £4,020 has been raised by a JustGiving page to cover the initial buying costs - over £1,000 more than required - with an additional £72,000 in place through a pledge system.
This December, Dr Hudson met with The Miners Arms Community Pub Limited - set up by local volunteers to purchase the pub - to discuss future steps in the community's campaign.
Having helped other local organisations through the Conservative Government's Community Ownership Fund application, Dr Hudson has pledged his support to the volunteer team and will assist them as they progress with their campaign. Dr Hudson is also putting campaigners in touch with a range of experts who can support the team.
The building is structurally sound but campaigners are keen to renew the furnishings. The serving bar has been refitted and there are four bedrooms upstairs that are in good condition, providing sound footing for a successful commercial pub.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"We have such a wealth of community talent upon Alston Moor and the volunteer team spearheading this campaign are an absolute testament to that.
"Having already made resolute progress through fundraising and organising, I am incredibly optimistic we will see positive results in the near future.
"From Bampton's pub to Kirkoswald's village shop we have a host of community ownership success stories on our doorstep and I'm committed to supporting them in Westminster and closer to home."
