Hungerford community effort saves village pub from developers

A consortium of villagers and other backers have finally bought back the Tally Ho! from would-be developers.
Contracts have been exchanged with Acres Developments and the next challenge is to refit and restock the pub.
There was dismay last year when the ‘Tally’ was sold and Acres Developments sought planning permission to convert it into a terrace of three, three-bedroom homes.
However in July planners refused permission Acres Developments announced they would appeal the refusal but then changed tack and tried to open an estate agents.
This, too, foundered, and now the building belongs to the Tally Ho! Community Pub Ltd.
The ultimate aim is to re-open as a community pub featuring local beers and produce; longer term plans include installing a micro brewery, providing bed and breakfast accommodation and opening community shop.
One of the company board members, villager Brenda Lukey, said: “We’ve exchanged contracts and hope to complete on June 25.
“The commitment and enthusiasm of shareholders has been fantastic.”
A statement from the news company said: “While this is the culmination of a lot of effort and negotiation it is only the completion of the first stage.
“We still need further funding in order to refit and stock the pub. Our aim is to reopen the pub in the next couple of months. We plan to spend the coming weeks on recruitment, refitting and refurbishment to enable the Tally to once again become the traditional village pub we loved.”
It adds: “Your team is working on a detailed concept plan which will be the template that will define the pub over the coming years.”
Meanwhile an appeal has gone out for practical help with the refitting, rewiring, painting and decorating.
The second round of funding is now in progress. Twenty shareholders participated in the first round, raising a sufficient deposit to buy the premises.
A further 23 shareholders, some from as far away as Nottinghamshire and Wales, have so far subscribed to the second round. The minimum shareholding is one, £100 share.
Taxpayers should get tax relief at 30 per cent on this investment.
Volunteers for labour duties, or a shareholding, or both, are invited to email their phone number to

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