A COMMUNITY plan to buy a closed pub and turn it into a village hub has received the backing of the local MP.

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 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.

Now the scheme has received the backing of Dwyfor Meirionydd MP Liz Saville Roberts, who said the plans will be a “benefit” to the community.

Caroll Ann 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 group is aiming to raise more than £40,000 for the first phase of the purchase, and have lodged funding bids.

The group’s share offer is open until March, with incentives for investments including a loyalty scheme and discount.

Plans for the building including restoring services to the village, and working with local colleges to offer work experience.

Mrs Saville Roberts said: “Naturally it is a pleasure to support this project and I am sure the local economy will benefit from your plans for the pub as it will pull visitors to the area. I also understand you are planning to work with local colleges to ensure students get much needed experience in the food and drink area.

“I congratulate you and the community of Garndolbenmaen on the efforts you’ve made so far to keep the pub open and to save other services such as the shop and post office.”

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