VILLAGERS fighting to reopen a pub as a community-led asset are to make one last-ditch bid to make their dream come true.

Residents in Boncath are hoping to buy the currently closed Boncath Inn at the heart of the village.

A public meeting was held back in November when more than 100 people packed into the community hall to discuss the project and a steering committee was set up.

Now, four months down the line, a second public meeting was held this week where villagers were told that three offers had been made and rejected by the building’s current owner.

Organiser Kevin Davies told the meeting: “We have had a look around the pub and while the building is in reasonably good condition, the committee feels we would need to spend £50,000 to get it back up and running, including installing a disabled toilet.”

He said an original offer of £150,000 was turned down, along with subsequent offers of £160,000 and £185,000, although the meeting was told it was not a straightforward process as the owner hoped to sell off the pub car park for development.

Cllr Cris Tomos, who has been involved in previous successful community buy-out projects, outlined what financial help was available and the options open to the committee.

Those present at the meeting wanted more information on the planning issues involved but it was felt the negotiations had gone on long enough and a proposition to make one final ‘take it or leave it offer’ of £190,000 for the whole site was agreed.

If that proves unsuccessful, the community bid will be scrapped.

One villager suggested turning their attentions instead to the community hall and redeveloping that site.

“Let’s get the whole community involved in that project incorporating a pub, facilities for tourists, a wedding venue etc. It would probably cost half of what we are looking at spending on the Boncath Inn,” she said.