More than £100k raised already in bid to buy Marston pub

A staggering £106,250 has been raised so far in a community campaign to buy their beloved local pub.

The Thorold Arms in the centre of Marston is up for sale after it closed last summer, but the local community has rallied round in a bid to purchase it themselves and save it from conversion.

In less than six weeks, the Thorold Arms Community Benefit Society has seen £106,250 pledged towards their share offer to buy the pub. “To have raised more than £100,000 in such a short space of time, just shows the level of support for this,” said Marston resident, and campaign organiser, Ian Tyler.

Mr Tyler higlighted how they have raised more per household than a similar scheme in Derbyshire, where the community did eventually succeed in buying their pub, The Angler’s Rest.

Despite the impressive efforts of residents in Marston, neighbouring Hougham and many other supporters, they still need to raise almost £150,000 more if they are to reach the current asking price for the Thorold Arms.

Initially the campaigners thought they would only have until May 31 to put together their share offer, but this has now been extended. Pressure continues to mount with the appearance of for sale signs in the past week, but the community remains determined to buy and re-open the premises as a pub, complete with a shop, café and B&B.

For further details, and to apply for shares, go to www.save.thethoroldarms.co.uk