Shailesh Vara MP visited The Lion Pub in Ramsey St Mary’s to give his support to the local community in their bid to purchase the local pub.

Mr Vara was joined by Ramsey Mayor and Huntingdonshire District Councillor Steve Corney. They met with local resident Mr Micky O'Donoghue who explained that a Committee had been formed to take the project forwards. 

Residents and local businesses will be offered the opportunity to buy shares in The Lion Pub and the Committee hopes to work with the Council and also secure Government grants.

The emphasis will be on The Lion being a community pub and a focal point for local residents. The Lion’s facilities include rooms which could be used for a variety of other activities, such as coffee mornings, a place for learning groups and mother and baby groups.

Following the visit Mr Vara said:

“I was pleased to hear of this initiative. As well as serving as a pub, The Lion will be able to provide residents with a venue for various other local activities. Moreover, the share scheme will offer everyone the chance to get involved in this enterprising local venture."

Cllr Corney added:

“I’m very pleased to be supporting a new group that are looking to set up a community pub in Ramsey St Marys by purchasing the Lion, which has been empty for several years now. They plan to use the Plunket Foundation as a model and sell shares to members of the public to fund the purchase as well as the refurbishment creating a community owned business and focal point for the village.”