RESIDENTS in Fourstones are pulling together in a bid to revive a popular pub.

The Railway Inn closed almost a year ago and is currently on the market for offers in the region of £150,000.

But members of the newly-formed Fourstones Community Ventures are keen to ensure it reopens as a pub.

And if they don’t, they are prepared to raise the cash themselves to buy the Railway and relaunch it as a community venture.

Fourstones Community Ventures spokesman Ken Page said the group had already agreed to pay for a structural survey of the building, with the approval of estate agent Sydney Phillips.

He explained: “The Railway pub is part of village life here. It has been closed for the best part of a year and in that time, the building has deteriorated.

“We just want to make sure that the structure is sound, and that it reopens as a pub sooner rather than later.

“We don’t want it to become a house or anything else, and we don’t want it to remain unoccupied.

“Our ideal solution is for someone to buy it and make a real good go at reviving the Railway. We don’t really want to take it on as a community venture – that would be a last resort.”

Mr Page said the group had identified a preferred buyer willing to invest in the Railway.

But he added: “We have concerns that people interested in the Railway are having to undergo a rigorous interview process, but we think it should be sold to the highest bidder.”

Speaking on behalf of current owner Geoffrey Smart, estate agents Sydney Phillips said the interview process was vital to ensure the right buyer was found. The firm confirmed it was speaking to prospective buyers.

A spokesman said: “We have a number of parties interested in buying the Railway for continued pub use.

“We have been in contact with Fourstones Community Ventures and it is aware of the current situation.”