PEOPLE can invest in their local thanks to a new scheme being run by Somerset villagers.

In March, last orders were called at The Bell Inn, in Curry Mallet, after 200 years – leaving regulars disappointed.

In response, a group from the village and neighbouring Beercrocombe, near Taunton, came together to bring their local back to life.

A meeting was called and, due to the enthusiasm to take action to keep their local open, villagers united to set up the Curry Mallet and Beercrocombe Community Pub Ltd community benefit society, with a mission to save the pub.

Within a month, nearly half the amount needed to save the Bell was raised.

“Following hard on the heels of the loss of the village shop and the bus route, this was one loss too many for the community and they decided to take action,” a spokesperson for the society said.

And in the next step to bringing people back to the bar, on September 1, a share offer was formally launched and over the next two months, the people of Curry Mallet, Beercrocombe and beyond have the opportunity to buy shares in the new society.

Committee members Martin Seaman, Fiona Duck, Chris Andrews, Will Wilkes-Wood

Shares are £1 each and the minimum investment is £100.

Community pubs are run democratically, on the basis of one-member one-vote, regardless of their investment, be it £100 or £10,000.

Committee member Justin Adams, a farmer and long-term Curry Mallet resident, said: “We have been bowled over by the support we’ve received and the love there is for The Bell.

“The pledged money has already started coming in, and we are working hard on a number of grant applications.

“We know we have a really strong case, and our vision for The Bell is that it becomes the social glue for a friendly and inclusive community, for the old, the young and those in-between, as well as a great place for cyclists, walkers and tourists to rest a while.”

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The group is also planning a series of fundraising events, the first of which is a Promises Auction on November 1, where scores of Somerset businesses and individuals have donated an incredible range of lots which can be bid for online or in-person on the night.

The society’s intention is to re-open The Bell Inn “in the first half of 2026”.

“That day can’t come soon enough for the people of Curry Mallet and Beercrocombe,” the spokesperson added.

To find out more about the bid to save The Bell Inn, visit www.cmbcommunitypub.com, or contact Fiona Duck by email to fiona_duck@icloud.com.