A COMMUNITY group in Launceston is hoping to save one of the town’s historic pubs.

Since its purchase and renovation by Ivor Gammon ten years ago, The Bell Inn, one of Launceston’s most historic buildings, has carved out a unique position for itself among local hostelries.

The pub has accumulated many accolades, including an annual feature in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and has been a regular candidate for the Cornish ‘Pub of the Year’ award, thereby fulfilling the landlord’s aim of providing the town with a truly traditional ale house.

Regulars and visitors alike have been regaled with an ever-changing choice of Cornish and Devon ales, supplemented by occasional surprises from further afield, which has resulted in The Bell becoming regionally renowned as a true oasis for real ale lovers.

However, despite a decade of landlordship, retirement beckons and The Bell is up for sale.

Following the announcement, a meeting of concerned customers convened at the pub in December, with sufficient attendees to sign up for an application to Cornwall Council to list The Bell as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

If granted, The Bell Inn Community Group will be guaranteed six months to raise the required cost of purchase and no other buyer will be able to apply for change of use for five years.

The group has been in touch with CAMRA and Plunkett UK, a charitable foundation that assists community groups purchasing threatened local amenities with free advice, legal and commercial support, and access to grants and loans.

On Sunday, January 12, a Zoom meeting will be held with the man behind the community takeover of the Drewe Arms in Drewsteignton, which has since positively thrived within its local community.

Following the meeting, the group plan to form a committee to drive the project to a positive conclusion.

Despite a push for community ownership, the group has said that should a buyer come forward there would not be any pushback from members, whose aim is simply to save the establishment.

A spokesperson from the group leading the charge to save The Bell explained: “Of course, if the perfect purchaser appeared, we could all sit back and relax. But such is the rate of pub closures nationally that things cannot be left to chance.

“Steps must be taken to ensure that Launceston does not lose this haven of civility, conversation and Cornishness.

“In the fullness of time, there will be a share issue to raise the necessary funds.”

Residents are also being invited to offer other non-financial methods of support.

The spokesperson continued: “If you would like to be kept informed of the group’s progress, play an active part or can contribute expertise in catering, accountancy, business management, law, local council or any other relevant skill, do please email: [email protected] where you will be welcomed as warmly as you would to The Bell.”