VILLAGERS are rallying round to buy their 300-year-old pub and run it as a community co-operative.

Since its historic walls were breached by four feet of flood water, Ovingham’s Bridge End Inn has been closed to business.

But the local community is setting up an action plan to purchase the pub and revive its fortunes.

The building, by the Whittle Dene, was left badly damaged in the wake of Storm Desmond in December.

The popular pub had been in the hands of the Outterside family since 1975.

But in March it was put on the market, appearing online with a guide price of £100,000 and it is now lying empty.

It was put up for sale by auction on Tuesday, April 5, by Auction House North East but failed to find a buyer.

If the villagers’ plan goes ahead, Ovingham will follow in the footsteps of the Slaley community, who collectively purchased the Rose & Crown pub in 2013.

Under the Slaley co-operative the Rose & Crown has flourished, fitted out with a new kitchen, B&B accommodation and a re-opened restaurant.

The plan for Ovingham’s Bridge End Inn is in its early stages. Three meetings have been held to discuss the proposal.

A leaflet has been distributed explaining that work is under way to investigate community enterprise structures and gather information on the full costs involved to form a business plan.

It reads: “A huge amount of work is required and people are happy to undertake this if they are sure that there are others who will support the enterprise by investing time and or money.

“We need to know if people are willing to become share holders.

“We’re seeking investment in the form of community shares in a not for personal profit structure where each share holder has one vote.

“Minimum investment is £500 and then in units of £500 up to a maximum of £20,000.”

Villagers are asked to pledge an ‘in principle’ interest if it is something they wish to be involved in, subject to a viable business plan.

Expressing an interest will not mean any definite commitment is made and no money is requested at this stage.

A member of the group formed to save the pub, Ernest Dobson, said: “We are very excited about the possibilities for the future.

“We want to see an even better pub – amazing beer, art, music, food, opportunities for young people to get involved in the future of their village, visitor accommodation and more besides

“There is strong support for keeping the Bridge End Inn as a pub, not just for drinking but as a meeting place for the community.

“It is going to be quite a challenge. These things normally take months and we probably haven’t got months.

“Anybody could make an offer at any time.”

Another member of the group, Dean Bowen, added: “Closure of the pub would be a huge loss to locals and visitors alike.

“We are very interested in hearing from anyone who wants to find out more about the campaign.

“Investors are likely to come from the local area, but the offer will be open to anyone.”

The group can be contacted by email on bridge-end@outlook.com or by calling on Dean on 07890 660 959.

There is also a Facebook page, The Bridge End Community Group and weekly public meetings at 7.30pm on Fridays at the Adam and Eve pub.