The share offer to raise funds to buy, refurbish and reopen The Britannia Inn on Bath Road, Wells, is now open (from Saturday, 5 April).

The Britannia Inn – or ‘the Brit’ as it was fondly known – closed in June 2021 when landlords Rob and Karen Rouse retired after 35 years. It has been empty ever since, and is currently for sale with the Caldecotte Group for £300,000.

The East Wells Community Benefit Society (CBS) was set up last year with the aim of buying the pub and re-establishing it at the heart of the local community. The community share offer is seeking to raise about £450,000 to pay for the purchase, and the repair and refurbishment work required. Applications for community shares in the East Wells CBS can be made online at www.savethebritanniainnwells.org .

Shares are priced at £1 each, with a minimum investment of £50, and a maximum of £25,000. The share offer is due to close on May 30, though if it fails to reach the initial target the East Wells CBS may decide to extend the offer for a further month. The Society’s Business Plan and Share Offer Prospectus are available to read at www.savethebritanniainnwells.org

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