THE community of Woodgreen have been unsuccessful in their bid to buy its village pub.

The bids for the Horse and Groom pub were turned down by owners Hall and Woodhouse.

Julie Rich, who was spearheading the village campaign, said: “It is very disappointing but there was nothing more we could have done. We put in a bid that was about £30,000 over the valuation we had been given.”

Villagers launched a bid to raise between £600,000 and £700,000 last month and more than £450,000 has been pledged for the pub, which was designated as an asset of community value.

A community benefit society was set up to allow supporters to buy shares and loan stock.

When fundraising was started last month, £150,000 was pledged in the first week.

There has been support from neighbouring villages including Redlynch, Lover, Ringwood and others.

“The amazing support we got from everyone, I would really like to thank everyone for that.” said Julie.

“We will keep the company going and see if there is anything else we can do on the back of the support that we have got.”

She wished the new owners “good luck” and hope they make it “the pub we all want it to be”, adding: “We want a successful village pub at the end of the day.”

Mark James, the director of Hall and Woodhouse, said: “The Horse and Groom pub went on sale in June 2018. We are pleased with the level of interest we have received, and can confirm we have accepted an offer from a local publican, who wishes to continue to run the Horse and Groom as a village pub.

“We would like to thank the local community for their ongoing support and custom over the years, and hope that they continue to support the pub under its new ownership.”