Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie has congratulated a Cranham community group after it received £300,000 of government money to buy the local pub.
Ms Baillie wrote in support of the Friends of The Black Horse and spoke to government about all local Community Ownership Fund bids. The Chancellor announced the Cranham Friends group would receive the cash in his budget earlier this month.
The community has already raised more than £250,000 for the project. The extra money will enable it to go ahead with the purchase of the traditional country pub.
In addition, the building will become a community hub for arts, leisure and music and further employment and training opportunities for younger village members.
“I am really pleased this brilliant and committed local project has been recognised with this substantial sum by the Chancellor,” said Ms Baillie.
“The pub has been a historic part of village life for nearly 200 years and I am pleased the hard work of the Friends has been recognised. For a small village to raise £250,000 too is a wonderful achievement and many congratulations.
“I am hugely fond of the pub, it’s current owners and the whole village. I will continue to support the great work the pub and the community is doing.”
Chairman for Friends Of The Black Horse Cranham Ltd Mark Harwood said the group was hugely appreciative of Ms Baillie’s support.
‘The community of Cranham is absolutely thrilled to be purchasing their beloved pub, The Black Horse, with the support of the government’s Levelling Up programme.
“Two years ago, a small group from within the village got together and with support from the current owners of The Black Horse and incredible pledges of monetary support from our community, we set about looking at ways the village could own its own pub.
“Having raised £250,000 from 143 people within the community, we applied for the government’s Community Ownership Fund.
“In readiness for our application, we gained additional support from Siobhan Baillie MP for Stroud, councillor Sue Williams from Gloucestershire County Council, Pub Is The Hub and CAMRA.
“This £300,000 is being combined with the money raised from the community to purchase The Black Horse and refurbish it over the coming year, whilst remaining sensitive to its history and character.
“The Black Horse will become a community hub for current and future generations to connect and thrive, and an inviting stop off for people from further afield.”
