A MEETING is being held tonight to decide whether a pub could be taken over by a village community, following an overwhelming show of support.

Residents have been campaigning to keep the White Lion in Broadwindsor open, which could mean the village taking it on as a community pub.

Following the departure of the pub's previous tenants, Palmers Brewery, the owners of the pub, approached the parish council to see if they are interested in operating the White Lion as a community pub after no one suitable had come forward to take over the venue.

A small group of residents, including parish councillors have held a series of discussions with the brewery over the viability of this initiative.

Residents were asked to have their say, with a questionnaire delivered through letterboxes, requesting feedback on whether the White Lion should be run as a community pub.

The results came back this week, with 95 per cent of respondents stating that they would like the White Lion to remain open and active.

A public meeting to discuss the results of the questionnaire will be held tonight (Thursday) at the Comrades Hall from 7.30pm. There will also be an open discussion and an opportunity for residents to ask questions.

Community pubs are owned and run democratically by members of their community. They have an open and voluntary membership, giving members part ownership of the community business, with the primary purpose being to provide benefits for its local community.

No decisions have been made yet and discussions with Palmers Brewery are ongoing.