A GROUP of villagers in North Somerset have banded together to save a pub that went through five landlords in six years.

The Prince’s Motto in Barrow Gurney has been at the centre of village life for at least 150 years, but it has been shut for six months and it is currently up for sale after going through five landlords in six years.

Now a group of villagers is aiming to buy the Prince’s Motto to turn it into a community-owned pub.

At a meeting in the village hall on October 23, Barrow Gurney Steering Group launched their vision to create a family-friendly venue that is “not just a pub but a community hub”, opening it as a café in the mornings offering coffee and croissants, with tea and cakes in the afternoon.

They believe it can become a vibrant focus for the community while also offering refreshments for cyclists and walkers, as well as great food.

With advice from the Plunkett Foundation, the steering group have drawn up a plan to restructure the pub’s finances, backed by a long-term business plan which would allow a new landlord to make a decent living and rebuild the pub’s reputation.

The village is now setting up a community benefit society which would raise £345,000 by selling its shares with the funds being used to buy and update the pub.

They are now actively campaigning to find investors.

Chair Andy Robbins said: ‘Like so many country pubs, the Prince’s Motto has been struggling with low profit levels for years.

“For well over 150 years it served the people of Barrow Gurney and south Bristol.

“It used to be famous for its beers and its warm welcome, but recently we’ve seen a succession of landlords come and go, unable to make it work financially.

“It would be a tragedy for us all if it closed for good - which is why we need to re-invent the Motto, put it on a firmer financial footing and win back its loyal customers.

“In the right hands, and with the support of the community we are confident we can give our pub a new lease of life.”

Anyone wishing to contact the group for more information or to offer help or financial support, can contact them at Freethemotto@gmail.com