THE parish council of Dilton Marsh is asking its residents whether they should take over the closed village pub, The Prince of Wales, and run it as a community venture.
The council reports“As many of you will be aware, the Prince of Wales pub was advertised for sale by auction on 29th July 2020.
“We quickly moved into action to delay the sale. The pub was listed as an asset of community value in February 2020 and therefore could not be sold without giving time for a bid to be considered.
“Wiltshire Council has now confirmed that an interim moratorium on the sale of the pub is in place until 3rd September 2020. Through the parish council, the community can look at whether it wishes to be treated as a potential bidder. If so, a full moratorium until 23rd January 2021 will be triggered, giving time for community interest groups to raise funding to put together a credible bid to buy the pub.
“It is worth noting that the owner is under no obligation to accept any such bid, but the pause is intended to allow community groups time to organise themselves and increase the chance of a successful offer being made.
“The parish council now needs to hear from the community with comments, ideas or interest in making a bid. Parish councillors are currently looking at the options available to raise funds and manage such a project and will publicise through social media and on noticeboards.
The closing date for responses is Tuesday 18th August so that they can be collated and presented to a parish council meeting on Thursday 20th August. This will be a virtual meeting on Zoom which members of the public will be able to join. All responses must be made to the parish clerk.
“Since lockdown started, parish council business has continued and we have tried to keep residents informed. A full parish council meeting was held on Zoom on 16th July. Draft minutes have now been posted on the parish council website, Facebook page and noticeboard outside the Memorial Hall.
“We are pleased that the White Horse News is now being printed and distributed to all households again so that we can reach a wider audience and we are also hoping to start publishing the Dilton News again soon.
“Over the last few months it has been really good to see how people in our community have supported each other by helping with shopping, collecting prescriptions or simply being a friendly face, sharing books, plants and a whole range of other things.
“As we have more freedom, there will still be those that need help because they are wary of going out and about or their circumstances have changed. If you, or anyone you know of, needs continuing support, do contact us.
“Similarly, if you have any issues to raise or wish to find out more about projects that are currently being worked on, please get in touch via email to the parish clerk at diltonmarshpc@aol.co.uk, on 01373 864127 or by post to 81, Studland Park, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 3HN.
