Negotiations for the Fox have failed, we're closing down our Crowdfunder, we will continue our efforts.
It has been 12 weeks since our last update. We wanted to let you know what has been happening. In this update: The offer made by a private group. The condition of the building. All money paid through Crowdfunder to be refunded in full.
The Offer: We supported a bid made by a group who share our vision. This bid was made back in February and was never even considered by Stonegate (the owner). Although their offer has formally expired, this group remain in contact with the agent are still keen on working with us to save the Fox.
Stonegate will say that this delay is because they went through changes of leadership in the boardroom over the last few months. We think they are holding out for the kind of money developers will pay, even though there is little chance of getting permission to build houses on the site. We are aware of the national scandal of pubs being overpriced by cynical owners, putting them beyond the reach of their communities. We are working with other communities to expose this practice through the national press.
The Building: The Fox remains empty and is still on the market. Having survived a winter, we were alarmed that a section of the kitchen ceiling had collapsed. We now understand this was due to a burst pipe running inside the ceiling, not a failure of the roof itself. The pipe and ceiling have been repaired. The Fox is a Grade II listed building, with an Asset of Community Value Order on it. Stonegate are well aware they have a legal duty to repair and maintain the building. They know we are watching the situation very closely. We know that the clock is ticking.
The Refund: We cannot extend our Crowdfunder appeal beyond the six months it has already been open. Therefore, you will be refunded in full from 31st May. Please email mbcommunitypub@gmail.com if you have not received your refund within 10 days of this date. We will be in touch with those who bought shares as a Christmas gift.
We Are Not Giving Up: We are very grateful and deeply moved by the levels of passion and support we received from you, our community. We love the Fox as much as you do and will continue to do everything we can to see it reopen as a community pub. Wednesday’s announcement of a general election has brought uncertainty to our planned application for government funding. We will be monitoring the situation very closely and will be calling on your support again.
Thanks again for your patience and energy.
Richard C Brown MBE on behalf of The Bartons Community Benefit Society Ltd Committee.
“Save Our Fox”