A MONXTON pub’s future looks a little brighter after a council’s announcement to bring it back to life.

Monxton Parish Council has started a campaign to try to save The Black Swan.

As previously reported by this paper, the future of the pub was left up in the air after its landlords announced their decision to leave.

Michael Pasque, landlord of the The Black Swan, told the Andover Advertiser in April that his team was moving on to The Plough in Grateley.

Monxton Parish Council is leading the campaign, with support from villagers, to purchase the Black Swan pub and save other community assets.

The Black Swan, known locally as the Mucky Duck, has been put on the market as a freehold property.

Monxton councillors say they are in the process of forming a community group to purchase the pub, and would also need to raise money to renovate it.

Cllr Mike Cleugh, chairman of Monxton Parish Council, said: “We need to totally refurbish the building, open up old parts to create a restored bar/snug area in the historic part of the building, and relocate the kitchen.

“These new facilities will allow the pub to cater for more people and enjoy enhanced facilities.”

He added: “This country is losing a huge number of pubs every week and the loss to individual communities, local employment and local providers of food/ beers and services is extremely significant.

“It will happen to Monxton and this part of Hampshire if we don’t act together now.”

The chairman added that a Community Asset Order has been placed on the pub, car park and village green by the Parish Council.

This will give the community six months to purchase the assets.

A Community Benefits Society is being created to raise money through the sale of shares as well as obtain grants from various organisations.

A meeting will be held to discuss the pub’s future on Wednesday, September 14 at 7.30pm at the Village Hall.

The councillor added: “Come and show your support to help save the Mucky Duck so that locals and all visitors can continue to enjoy our village, its pub culture and facilities.”

For more information call the councillor on 07836792545 or email mikecleugh@hotmail.com.