A community group hoping to save one of North Cornwall historic pubs is asking residents for their thoughts on the venue’s future.

The Bell Inn in Launceston has become a staple for many locals and after being at the helm for more than a decade, retirement beckons for landlord Ivor Gammon. As such, the site was listed for sale.

Following the announcement, a meeting of concerned customers convened at the pub in December, forming the Bell Inn Community Group, with the aim of keeping the venue open.

Having launched their charge, the group is now turning its head to funding and management options.

On Friday, January 31, the group held an open meeting at the Bell Inn to update attendees on the progress made so far, to discuss future structure, and to elect a steering committee to drive the community takeover forward.

Colette Ham, who is helping to lead the group, said: “The meeting began with an exposee on the management options open to the group, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Of the four options available, the cooperative model was favoured as being the most appropriate for an urban pub.

“It basically means that investors or shareholders would be able to recoup their initial investment and have the potential to receive dividend payments proportionate to their input. Importantly, every member, irrespective of their holding, would have one vote at any meeting or AGM.”

Fundraising was the next item on the agenda. Due to the age and importance of the Bell Inn, a range of heritage funds and social investment groups can be approached, but the share issue will undoubtedly be the major source of income.

A local community investment group, Resonance, has pledged to support the campaign with their advice and experience. A steering committee was also formed which will result in the production of a business management plan and a dedicated page on Facebook.

Colette continued: “We urge townsfolk to take an interest in this development and to follow our progress. Ultimately, the Bell Inn will be the community's own pub, and will exist to meet your needs. The support group is growing ever larger, but to enhance our credibility, we need to show potential backers that there is widespread interest in protecting the future of this ancient building.

“If you have not yet done so, please e-mail [email protected] to add your name to the list. If you add an e-mail address, you will receive regular updates. There is no obligation of any sort possibly arising from the addition of your name: it simply shows that you support this campaign in principle.

“A questionnaire will be available at the Bell Inn for you to have personal input on how the future of the pub should look. We also hope to make it available at other local sites and on our Facebook page. We need a bold statement of local interest, so do please make every effort to let your views be known. They will be respected and appreciated.”