A GROUP hoping to buy a village pub for community use has raised £6,000 towards its initial target of £40,000.

The Garndolbenmaen Community Group is still hoping to buy the Cross Foxes Inn, which shut in 2017, despite an application by its owners to turn the tavern into a dwelling being approved by Gwynedd Council in May last year.

The group says they have not given up hope and have renewed fundraising efforts, and are in discussion with the building’s owners.

Plans for the pub, which remains on the market, were twice deferred to give the group enough time to try and buy the pub outright.

The group has received clearance for its financial conduct authority number to raise shares, with over £5,000 raised so far, and will apply for a grant this month from the Welsh Government Regeneration fund.

Caroll Morris from the group said they are “determined” to buy the pub to use as a community hub, and remain confident of raising the funds.

“The village has been very supportive and we have raised money through shares and events,” she said.

“We have big plans for the place, to turn it into a community hub, and have been talking to lots of groups.

“The council have been very helpful, and a regeneration manager has been talking us through the application to the Welsh Government which will be going in next week.”

The latest fundraising event took place before Christmas with a concert with the musical duo John and Alun.

The group’s share offer is open until March with the aim to raise a minimum of £40,000 and a maximum £80,000.

The cash will be used for start up costs and some building works.