IF local councillors have their way, the beer will never run dry at the village pub in Brockweir. They are planning to secure its future by buying it as a community asset.
The well known little inn — the Brockweir — stands next to the narrow road and famous bridge. In more boisterous times it was a watering hole for sailors often left high and dry in the village for a week or more as they waited for a suitable tide.
These days the village has a more sedate population and a reputation as a thriving and friendly community. It was made famous for bucking the trend and opening a village shop when other communities were closing theirs.
Now they want to save the pub.
John Fox, chairman of Brockweir and Hewelsfield parish council, said: “Before we buy it we have to negotiate the price and our clerk, Lynda Skuse, has to attain a certificate in local council administration. Once this is settled we have to put together a business case that has to be approved by the parishioners before we apply for a local government loan.
“We don’t think we can be in a position to buy the inn until early next year.”
Current owners William Hooper and Nicky Hambling announced last year they intended to sell the pub and are looking for £350,000.
Mr Fox said: “Although the inn is still open its future is no doubt at risk. Two months ago the parish council registered it as a village asset with the Forest of Dean district council. This means we have first refusal and, as outlined in the council’s core strategy, it would be very unlikely for a developer to gain permission to build houses.
“The pub is of great value to us. Not only is it the only pub in the parish but it is a community pub which connects everybody. The current owners will keep the pub open until a successful bid is placed — I believe they have already declined one offer.
“If we are successful we will appoint a tenant who will run the pub and provide us with an annual rent to pay the loan.
“We certainly look to embrace the long process ahead to protect our village asset.”