Locals Rally to Save Beloved Essex Pub from Development Threat
Community members are determined to protect a cherished pub in Littlebury from being sold off.
Littlebury, Essex, Pub, Community, Greene King
Littlebury: There’s a real buzz in this small Essex town as locals band together to save their beloved pub, the Queen’s Head. It’s been a staple for around 600 years, and folks are feeling the loss since it closed last May.
A community group, Littlebury Community Pub Ltd, is on a mission. They want to get the pub recognized as an asset of community value. This would help protect it from being sold off and developed. They’re ready to step in and run it as a community business if the sale doesn’t go through.
Greene King, the pub chain that owns the site, is looking to sell it, but they haven’t shared any details about the price or potential buyers. The locals are really passionate about this place, and they’ve even raised £350,000 to buy it back. Some kids even cracked open their piggy banks to help out!
Support for the campaign is strong, with actor Cliff Parisi lending his voice to the cause. He’s known for his roles in Call the Midwife and EastEnders, and he’s been spreading the word about how important this pub is to the community.
The parish council has officially applied for the pub’s new status, emphasizing that Littlebury needs a central meeting place. They argue that the Queen’s Head is vital for the village’s social life, especially since it’s the last pub standing.
In fact, there are 29 letters backing the change in status, showing just how much the locals care. Greene King has acknowledged the situation, saying they’ve made the tough decision to sell the pub but have a local buyer lined up who plans to keep it running for the community.