APPARENTLY newbie Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner isn’t averse to dropping into Parliament’s The Strangers’ Bar for a snifter.

Fair play to her chilling out there following a stressful metaphorical jousting session in the House of Commons. Nothing wrong with that.

Equally, many of the good folk of Milverton like popping into the only pub in their lovely village after an honest day’s work or simply to relax.

And the regulars at The Globe Inn are pinning their hopes on Ms Rayner magicking up £300,000 to keep the drinks flowing in their prized local for years to come.

Wondering what it’s all about? Let’s start at the beginning.

After nigh on 18 years as hard working and loyal landlords at the Silver Street watering hole and eatery, Mark and Adele Tarry decided it was time for a well-earned break.

Phil Hill, columnist and ex-chief reporter.Phil Hill, columnist and ex-chief reporter. (Image: Phil Hill)

On hearing the pub was on the market, regulars stepped in determined to prevent last orders being called for the final time.

They hit on the idea of dipping into their own pockets to form the Milverton Community Benefit Society to buy The Globe.

But buying a pub doesn’t come cheap - a target was set of £580,000, with shareholders taking on its running.

Locals weren’t shy in coming forward to purchase shares at £100 a shot.

So far they’ve pumped in around £170,000 and rising.

An application for £300,000 of Levelling Up cash looked to be progressing favourably - until Rishi Sunak called the snap General Election.

That put everything on hold and now the ball is in the new Labour administration’s court.

Step forward Angela Rayner. As well as settling into her role as Sir Keir Starmer’s number two, her bow is also strung with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government title, which oversees Levelling Up handouts.

What with a black hole in the nation’s finances and overseeing plans for 1.5 million more homes to be built over the next five years, she’s been a busy lady of late.

However, she has pledged to look into the request for £300,000 as soon as time permits.

Let’s hope she decides to deservedly reward the efforts of the Milverton locals and keep their community spirit alive.