Campaigners hoping to see their village pub reopened are celebrating after a first significant step forwards.
The Ship Inn, at Surfleet Seas End, which closed more than a year ago, has now been registered as an Asset of Community Value following application to South Holland District Council by the Shipmates community group.
This means that the owners must give the group an opportunity to buy the pub.
The Shipmates now want more people with an interest in seeing the pub reopen to get on board. There has been a pub on the site since 1642.
An information meeting is being held at the Fraser Rooms at St Laurence Church, Surfleet, at 7pm on Wednesday, August 12, and all are welcome.
Shipmates’ chairman Mark Newlands said: “The Ship Inn will now remain an Asset of Community Value for five years and it is possible that any future planning application to change it from a pub to a dwelling or some other use could be denied because of this.
“This is an important first step towards getting our pub back. What happens now is the owner cannot sell it without first giving the community six months to prepare and submit a bid. We have until September 3 to declare our intention to bid and until January 23, 2027, to submit the bid.”
The open meeting on August 12 will be a chance for anyone to say how they want to see the development of their community pub.
It will also be an opportunity for people to give their expressions of interest so the group has a better idea of support for raising funds.
Mark stressed this would not commit anyone to anything, but would help guide the way forward.
He added: “We also want to share the good ideas revealed by a recent survey we organised. We will also be discussing the work ahead and the type of society we want to own and run the pub.”
You can also meet Shipmates at Ayscoughfest at Ayscoughfee Hall on Saturday, August 15, and at their stand at Celebrate Surfleet on Sunday, September 6, at Glen Park, Surfleet.
