Community offered the chance to buy Rother village pub

The Cross Inn, in Cripps Corner Road, Staplecross, is listed as an Asset of Community Value, meaning it has been officially registered as being of social importance to the community.

Under the scheme, also known as the ‘Community Right To Bid’, community groups must be given the opportunity to make a bid to purchase a property that has been registered as an Asset of Community Value, to preserve their social value.

Such properties may include pubs, village shops, libraries or open spaces.

If any community groups wish to be treated as a potential bidder for the pub, they have until Monday July 14 to express their interest in writing to Rother District Council.

If any groups come forward, they will have until December 2 to prepare and make a bid for the pub.

However, the scheme, introduced under the Localism Act 2011, does not mean the owner of the pub is obliged to sell to any community group making a bid.

Any eligible community groups wishing to express an interest in bidding for the pub are asked to contact the council by emailing [email protected] or writing to the Economic Development Manager, Rother District Council, Town Hall, London Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN39 3JX.

More information on Assets of Community Value, including what qualifies as an eligible community group, is available online at www.rother.gov.uk/communityassets