Villagers rally to save the fire-damaged Crabmill pub at Preston Bagot
AN action group has been set up to save and restore the 17th century Crabmill pub at Preston Bagot.
The pub suffered a devastating fire on 28th February last year, but the owners, Brunning and Price, announced last month they would not be rebuilding the pub, blaming spiralling costs. After a partial demolition last summer, the site has remained boarded up.
Katie Davey, from Preston Bagot, who started an online petition to have the pub restored, said: “A significant part of the village’s identity is now at risk. I knew locals were concerned when Brunning and Price decided not to redevelop the pub, but I had no idea of the extent of the reach of our campaign supporters.”
The petition raised 500 signatures in three days and hundreds more have been added.
The group wants to register the Crabmill as an asset of community value. At the same time, future investors who are interested in bringing the building back to life, will be sought. The owners have yet to declare their intentions for the site.
Another member of the group, Adrian Griffiths, said: “There was a feeling of huge disappointment in the village when Brunning and Price decided not to rebuild the pub after the catastrophic fire last year. It was a treasured meeting place where locals could socialise and, in addition, a very popular destination for visitors from neighbouring counties and weekenders.”
As the building is not listed, there is no legal obligation to preserve or restore it.
To support the campaign, visit https://chng.it/W82cSJDxGg or to get involved in the action group contact Adrian Griffiths at prestonbagotpm@gmail.com.