AN update has been released over the ongoing battle to save a village pub near Dursley.

Campaigners launched its community share offer last month to buy the Rose & Crown Inn located in Nympsfield.

It is hoped the 19th century boozer - which has been closed since March 2023 - is eventually bought and run as a community pub.

The share offer scheme - which is open until Wednesday, November 6 - gives people the opportunity to purchase shares and own part of the pub. 

It is understood between £400k to £450k is needed to purchase the Rose & Crown Inn.

So far, £120,000 has been raised through the scheme backed by more than 150 people, according to the Nympsfield Community Pub Group.

Organisers say they want to ensure the pub’s place as a central part of village life for generations to come.

If reopened as a community pub, plans also include opening a café and village shop at the site.

A group spokesperson said: “This is a fantastic start, but we need to ensure that we keep this momentum up in order to reach our goal of £400k. 

“Our community share offer is still open until November 6, but the sooner we get close to reaching it, the more likely it is that we will be able to unlock further investment, so we urge anyone planning to invest to do so as soon as possible.

It is hoped the Rose & Crown is bought and run as a community pub “If we don't succeed, the current owner has good planning grounds to convert the building into housing, and the pub will be lost forever. 

“To secure the pub's future, we need each of you to invest as much as you can afford. 

“If you have already purchased shares, you can add to these by submitting an additional application form and cheque/BACS transfer.

“Whether you are able to invest yourself or not, please do help spread the word about our community share offer as far as possible!”

Meanwhile, as part of the campaign a ‘promise’ auction is due to take place at Nympsfield Village Hall on Saturday, November 9 from 7pm. 

Tickets are on sale for £10, with prizes including a tour of Highgrove Gardens, a trial gliding lesson and much more. 

To order tickets contact nympsfield.community.pub.events@gmail.com 

For more information about the share offer see here - tinyurl.com/4m3md4nk

Villagers celebrating the launch of the Rose & Crown Inn share offer last month - photo by Simon Pizzey