Community group has big plans for closed pub

A community group has big plans for a village pub, which was put on the market almost a year ago, if it successfully purchases it, its chair says.

The Ivy Inn in Heddington, Wiltshire, closed in May 2024 when owners Wadworth put it up for sale. It is an asset of community value, with residents given until 2029 to raise the money to buy it back.

Villagers will be given the chance to buy shares in The Ivy Inn to open it and make it functional again once a price has been negotiated for the pub.

Dr Paul Moyle-Harris, chair of Friends of The Ivy, said the idea was to "not just save" The Ivy, but "make it more than just a pub".