Community sets a goal to buy and reopen village pub
A NORTH Pembrokeshire community is setting itself a goal for the year ahead: to buy and reopen a pub in the heart of Crymych village.
A public meeting attended by more than 40 people was held at the Market Hall in Crymych to set out the proposal for the Crymych Arms pub, which has been closed since the Covid-19 pandemic.
A presentation was given by Cris Tomos of Planed, who has supported and handled many community pub and shop purchases.
It was explained that there now needs to be means of collating pledges from those willing to purchase the shares in the venture and also inviting individuals with relevant committee and business skills to join the steering group. Mr Tomos explained that the idea was to have the village football club issue a community share offer to raise the funds to reopen the pub and to also have it as the headquarters for the football club.
He added: “The public meeting was very well attended and the forms were handed out asking people to note their pledges to invest and also people willing to be on the steering committee. Within one week we have seen £27,600 worth of pledges coming in.
“It would be great to now see additional commitments in January to enable the steering group to proceed with the purchasing plan.” Mr Tomos added: “Many residents of the village miss the opportunity to eat, drink and socialise at the Crymych Arms, which has been shut since the pandemic.
“There are other football clubs in
Wales that have launched community share offers to support the development of their clubs, such as Wrexham Football Club.”
Following the presentation in Crymych, a motion to proceed was voted upon and to move ahead with the plans.