THE Alhampton Inn, near Castle Cary and Bruton, is reopening less than nine months after it closed after locals raised more than £100,000.

The money, put up by 100-plus individuals, was enough to obtain a 15-year lease with the new freehold owners.

About 30 volunteers – a significant proportion of the local population – have been actively involved in the project.

Plans were drawn up after the pub closed to create and register a not-for-profit community benefit society and develop a business plan with the help of the Plunkett Foundation.

Jeremy Burks, chair of The Alhampton Community Pub Ltd, said: “From the first moment, the whole community piled in to revive ‘The Ally’.

“The closure last year left a yawning gap for all of us, but thanks to this massive effort, we will restore the heart and soul of the village and once again we’re ready to welcome everyone!”

David Miskin, of the Plunkett Foundation, said: “Buying a pub – or taking a long-term lease – isn’t just about saving a building – it’s also about creating a community and a place that gives the people and the area it serves a wealth of benefits.

“Somewhere that future generations will also be able to enjoy thanks to the community-owned pubs’ 96% survival rate.

“If you have the opportunity to get involved in your community pub, go for it. They are very special places that will always be there for you, no matter who you are or how old you are.”

He added: “Based on my experience, the team leading the efforts to save the Alhampton Inn for the community have worked exceptionally hard, and with remarkable speed, to deliver this once-in-a-life time opportunity.”

The Alhampton Inn has been a gathering place for the residents of the hamlet of Alhampton in the Somerset parish of Ditcheat for over 270 years.

The vestry minutes from 1748 state: “Thomas Chinnock at the sign of the Knave of Clubs Alhampton license to be continued.”

Ample evidence exists that the Chinnock family ran a public house at the site for 75 years before that.

The Knave of Clubs pub sign is being reinstated when the community takes over running the pub.

Pubs have been in decline for many years, but recent shockwaves caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, rocketing energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis have dealt further blows to their survival.