A community action group has toasted the purchase of a popular beauty spot in Stroud.
The £850,000 sale of Thrupp Farm in Stroud to the community was completed last month after a long fundraising campaign by supporters, who formed the Community Benefit Society (HVCBS). The purchase was funded by £300,000 in donations and share sales and by £550,000 in bridging loans from two unnamed backers.
The land, known as the Heavens, has a waterfall and meadows and is used widely by locals and visitors.
Karen Thomas, coordinator of the HVCBS, said: “We were so thrilled by the turnout, with dozens of people coming along to show their support and celebrate the historic purchase. We simply couldn’t have achieved the purchase without the enthusiastic support of these residents and hundreds of others, who bought shares, donated money, delivered leaflets, organised fundraising events or helped in a whole variety of other ways.”
