Pub is the Hub

Paul Marshall, the licensee of the Red Lion, has run a convenience store in the past, and a visit to the pub and meeting with Paul established that he had the ability and commitment required to make this project a success. The project fulfilled a need in the community for a local shop, which would sell a variety of everyday items, including local produce. Previously, local people had to travel 4 miles to Alford to visit the nearest shop. The licensee has involved the community in the development of the project and received written support from 81 local people, together with the Parish Council. The project received the full support and backing from the pub owners, George Bateman Brewery, and the local authority were also supportive of the project.

The project has replaced a dilapidated old building with a new timber framed structure on the same site and with the same dimensions to create a new village shop. A planning meeting was held on site, and the local authority confirmed that planning permission would not be required. The main elements of the project were building works to remove the existing building and erect a new structure, plumbing and electrical works, decorating and flooring, and the fitting out of the shop.

This project has brought a valuable local service to the village and the outlying rural community, and will greatly strengthen the community role of the pub. The project has also created 2 additional part-time jobs for local people.

Total project capital costs £12,161.00
Applicant contribution £3,040.25
East Midlands Development Agency grant contribution £9,120.75

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