VILLAGERS are working on a plan to save their local pub after the landlords put it up for sale.

Mark and Adele Tarry are planning to leave Milverton's Globe Inn after 17 years behind the bar.

Discussions are going on to see if locals want to possibly step in and turn it into a community-run pub.

A community benefit society (CBS) could be set up to buy the Globe if the couple fail to find a buyer.

The CBS would have shareholders who invest in it, with each member having a vote and appointing a management committee who would be responsible for running the society.

William Waddington, who is heading up the initiative, said: "It goes without saying that I wish them (the Tarrys) god speed in finding a quick sale. They have been extraordinary servants of this village for the last 17 years or more.

"There are numerous hurdles into turning a privately owned pub into one owned by the community.

"The first hurdle is the legal entity required to represent the community."

He added: " It has been recommended that we form a Community Benefit Society (CBS).

"It is representatives of the CBS’s management committee who will be making a formal approach to the selling agents if the Tarrys cannot find a buyer.

"Do remember it is the absolute intention of the group to ensure that Milverton retains its pub.

"The Tarrys could find a buyer quite quickly. On the other hand it might still be on the market for several months."

Mr Waddington said interest has been registered with the selling agents.

"A valuation is being arranged for September," he added.

"Members of the group have been putting their heads together to look at how the pub will look and feel if the CBS does buy the Globe.

"I hope by late September matters will be somewhat clearer."

A public meeting is being held in the village's Victoria Rooms on September 28 at 7pm.

" This is probably the biggest challenge the village has faced for a very long time," said Mr Waddington.