VILLAGERS have moved a step closer to winning an eight-year battle to reopen their long-closed pub.

The Rising Sun in Woodcroft last served a pint in 2011, but the Forest of Dean Council has now launched a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to buy the rundown building from developers after community campaigners raised pledges totalling more than £230,000.

Save Our Sun chair Michelle Hayes: “I’m delighted with the news that the council has started the process after such a long fight.

“I believe we’re the first community group in the UK to get this far with a pub compulsory purchase and it’s a big step. Hopefully, we will now soon own the premises, though there’s still a way to go.

“Any valid objections to the CPO have to be lodged by December 18, and the order will still have to be approved by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, but we are close to a final outcome.”

The SOS group won community asset status for the Victorian pub in 2013, but the owners have so far refused to sell up after plans to convert it into homes by Chepstow-based Worthy Developments were turned down at appeal in 2015.

That prompted an SOS application for a CPO last year, which has been on hold until now after new plans to develop the building were put forward.

“It’s taken a long time, but we’re delighted that the council is supporting the principle of protecting rural communities,” added Michelle.

“It’s so important to keep village facilities and not let developers run amok.

“When I moved here 17 years ago, there were three pubs – the Sun, the Live and Let Live and the Cross Keys – but we haven’t had one since the Sun shut, and you have to drive to go to a pub now.

“Every village needs a hub where people can meet, and hopefully the pub will now be owned by the community, for the community.

“It’s going to cost up to £100,000 to refurbish, but we’ve been pledged £230,000 so far in share options to help buy it and will be able to apply for further grants once we take possession.

“When it’s restored, we aim to reopen it as a village pub hub run by a manager, with a bar, a shop, parcel drop-off and community group space holding events that bring people together, such as coffee mornings for the elderly, mums and tots, and skill swap sessions between young and old.

“There are housing developments going up nearby, and a social centre like a community pub will also help newcomers meet other villagers, while as an AONB area, walkers, climbers and other visitors will now have a place to drop into.

“We’re delighted with the news, but aware that there could still be a way to go. It’s all about securing the future and helping the community thrive.”

The Forest Council agreed in principle to the CPO last year, and has finally lost patience with the owners after a request for an ecological appraisal on a new plan went unanswered.

“The developers were stalling, but now the council has acted and the end is in sight, although it’s still a complex process,” added Michelle.

“There could be a tribunal if there are any valid objections, which could take six months or more. But there will be a final decision one way or the other and we are hopeful of obtaining the pub.”

A public notice issued by the council says that if approved, the order will let them compulsorily purchase the land to redevelop the “abandoned derelict premises for reuse as a community facility, which... is likely to contribute to the achievement of the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental well-being” of the community.

Initial SOS attempts to buy the Rising Sun from the owners were rebuffed after the property was put on the market two years ago.

Copies of the council’s CPO can be obtained by emailing [email protected]