UPDATE ON COMMUNITY EFFORT TO SAVE FAMOUS PUB
UPDATE ON BATTLE TO SAVE THE RIFLEMAN PUB
TODAY’S STATEMENT
Hope you are all enjoying the heatwave and the World Cup. Been a while since we sent out any update, so here you go.
We submitted an offer to take over the lease for the Rifleman and have been pushing Savills, the agents acting on behalf of Global Mutual, for a response.
As part of their process, they asked for proof of funds. We explained that any funding would come through a community share offer, which we would only launch once there is some progress in discussions and a clearer path forward.
They know we have completed a community survey, which has given us a really positive indication of the level of support and financial backing to cover the costs needed to reopen and operate the pub under a community model.
Our Community Benefit Society has now been formally approved by and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. We’ve set up a bank account with the appropriate controls in place, so that any funds raised can be managed securely and transparently.
TFA and the freeholder’s agents are moving towards a short-term tenancy arrangement to keep the pub open while longer-term options are considered. We get this…. as an interim step.
We’ve written to Global Mutual to let them know we will apply to make the pub an Asset of Community Value (it may help stop any change of use if new owners have that in mind), if we think that will help protect the future of the pub.
We’re keeping the dialogue open and seek a positive outcome around our offer on the lease, as well as exploring the option of buying the freehold. It is of course possible that another party may take on a new lease for the pub, which would fulfil the main aim of keeping The Rifleman open – we understand that there is an interested party and we’ll keep you updated as things progress.
Thank you again for all your continued support — it really is making a difference.
Rifleman Rescue Team