A pub I've passed several times, but never been in appears to have been saved thanks to a registration as an Asset of Community Value.
I exchanged a few emails with the group who were trying to save the pub - telling them about the two registrations I helped with here in Eastbourne and encouraging them on their way.
I have to say I thought they had a job on their hands simply given the pub's proximity to three other pubs but it's brilliant to hear that they managed it.
http://www.thecomet.net/news/hitchin_pub_taken_off_market_1_3260278
Seems that what happened is that a local developer was all ready to buy it but pulled out when the pub was registered as an ACV. Looks like the combination of a well-motivated group plus the local authority's willingness to get a shift on got the job done in just the way it was supposed to.
Interestingly, the pubco/brewer that owns it decided not to force a sale on the group - but has retained the pub.
It's not a pub I've ever been interested in going to, and now that Greene King are keeping it, it's extremely unlikely I'll ever go in. But its still a win. Well done all!
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