Anne-Marie Trevelyan, MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed, joined community campaigners in Horncliffe on Friday to hear more about their campaign to buy out the Fishers Arms pub in the village, which has been in the community since 1760. The pub closed in October 2021, but villagers have grouped together to buy it and have managed to procure the “Asset of Community Value” status for it.
The MP met Louise Giddens, Paul Burns and Neill Berry from the pub buyout steering group, along with County Councillor Colin Hardy. The group talked through their business plan with Anne-Marie and explained why they are so keen to ensure the pub is returned to community use. They also plan to refurbish the pub, and ensure it sells local produce.
Anne-Marie said: “It was fantastic to meet the team and read through their business plan, which is truly impressive, as are the fundraising efforts that have taken place.
“For Horncliffe, the Fishers Arms is more than a pub, it is the heart of the community and its value is why there has been such a strong local effort to return it to its former glory. I know this campaign will be a success and I can’t wait to come back to visit and pull a pint once it re-opens!”
Photos: Anne-Marie with Louise Giddens, Paul Burns (brown jacket, pale trousers), Neill Berry (blue jacket and trousers) of the Steering Committee, plus Councillor Colin Hardy.
More information on the campaign: https://www.fishersarmshorncliffe.org/
