Express & Star

Campaign cheer as at-risk Bearwood pub is saved

Campaigners have raised a glass after a nine-month struggle to save their local pub proved successful.

Published

More than 2,000 people signed a petition to save The Abbey Hotel in Bearwood, which shut suddenly in February last year.

But after a campaign group led by Julie Birley got the pub designated as an Asset of Community Value, new owners have finally taken it over – much to the delight of punters.

The landmark pub suddenly closed down in February this year and at one stage went under the hammer for £375,000.

There were fears the pub site would be developed for housing – but these reduced when campaigners got it designated an Asset of Community Value.

Teaching assistant Mrs Birley said: "It's great news that it is definitely reopening in the next six weeks or so.

"I think it's going to be like an Indian grill in the back but still a pub as well. The day that we found out the news was amazing.

"Everyone is really looking forward to it opening again.

"So many people just refused to give up and it made a real difference when we got the Asset of Community Value."

After the pub shut more than 2,000 people signed a petition calling for it to remain open, but then owners Stonegate closed it down regardless.

Stonegate subsequently sold it to developers.

When it closed, The Abbey became the latest Bearwood pub to face the axe after the Thimblemill was demolished to make way for a care home.

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