The UK government is to give several million pounds to help eight communities buy their pub.

Successful bidders will be given a share of the Community Ownership Fund – a £250m pot that offers a great opportunity for groups to take pubs or businesses over and to run them by the community, for the community.

Essex village residents have hailed the “monumental” achievement of securing nearly £300,000 in grants to resurrect their historic pub. The Roxwell Chequers Community Benefit Society has secured £276,000 from the Community Ownership Fund.

The money will be going towards the purchase, refurbishment and opening of the Chequers as a community pub. The grant must be matched by funds generated through an upcoming share offer, set to launch in late January.

The Chequers (pictured), which has been closed since the pandemic, is a building of major historic and community significance and has been a part of Roxwell life for more than 250 years.

The pub has been designated as an Asset of Community Value, while, as a traditional timber-framed building, it is recognised by its Grade II historic listing.

A Chequers spokesman said: “This is an amazing achievement for all the community, those who pledged money over the summer and those businesses which offered letters of support for our application to the government. 

“This means we are in a position to execute plans to buy and refurbish the pub and the next phase of the project will swing into action to realise our dream.”

More details on applying for the next Community Ownership Fund can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-ownership-fund-prospectus/community-ownership-fund-prospectus--3