THE GLOBE Inn remains closed as fundraising efforts have "fallen short" of the £530,000 target, Milverton Community Benefit Society shared in an update.

Last orders were called at a packed Globe Inn in the village of Milverton, five miles west of Taunton, on Friday, September 27, and efforts to get it back up and running have been ongoing.

The Milverton Community Benefit Society (MCBS) has raised £170,000 towards reopening the pub as a community venture but has said a £300,000 Government grant has been put on hold, scuppering plans.

William Waddington, chair of MCBS, said: "It’s with heavy hearts that we share the latest update on our efforts to save the Globe. Despite our best intentions, the pub remains closed."

Mr Waddington added that a "fundraising shortfall" of £360,000 was part of the issue and that a Government "Levelling Up Grant" had been delayed.

The chair added: "The anticipated £300,000 grant has been put on hold due to the recent change in government."

Laying out the options available to the community, Mr Waddington said: "We could hold out for a potential grant, but recent government announcements haven’t been promising."

Alternatively, the chair suggested using "community power" to "make a final, concerted effort to raise the remaining funds ourselves".

He added: "We need your support, now more than ever. If you can, please consider increasing your investment to £500 or more.

"Spread the word; encourage friends, family, and neighbours to invest in the MCBS. We need at least 550 more people to invest £500 each."

Mr Waddington reminded villagers that having a local pub can "significantly enhance property values" while most importantly being a "vital part of our community".

He said keeping the pub open was also beneficial environmentally, as "a local pub reduces the need for car journeys, saving time, money, and the environment".

The MCBS has until November 30 to reach the target, at which point it will "have to look at other options". More information can be found at www.milvertoncbs.org.

Mr Waddington added: " Let’s make history together. Please, dig deep and help us save the Globe."

The MCBS said it would consult with villagers on "how best to use" a Government grant if the pub is handed one, "whether it’s for further improvements to the Globe or returning funds to shareholders".