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Community-bought pub is reopened | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A Salford pub which was bought by its regulars after the brewery decided to sell-up has reopened for business. | |
Drinkers at The Star Inn, in Broughton, loved their local so much they paid at least £200 each to buy it at auction. | Drinkers at The Star Inn, in Broughton, loved their local so much they paid at least £200 each to buy it at auction. |
About 50 shareholders are now involved and the cash will be used - along with any profits - to maintain the building and support community projects. | About 50 shareholders are now involved and the cash will be used - along with any profits - to maintain the building and support community projects. |
Speaking after the opening, shareholder Margaret Fowler said: "It's just the most fantastic feeling, it really is." | |
She added: "It's gone really well. We were up at the crack of dawn putting everything together but we've had a steady stream of people to have a look, and have a laugh and a drink. | |
"There is so much work that has gone in, but it's been shared by so many people. | |
"We've ended up with something that we are so proud of and everyone is just so pleased to be back in." | |
'Started from scratch' | |
Shareholders have spent the past few weeks refitting the building ahead of its official reopening at lunchtime. | Shareholders have spent the past few weeks refitting the building ahead of its official reopening at lunchtime. |
About 30 people banded together initially, but since the sale was completed on 6 November the number of shareholders has risen. | About 30 people banded together initially, but since the sale was completed on 6 November the number of shareholders has risen. |
They will continue to maintain the building and the running of the pub has been handed over to live-in manager - and fellow shareholder - Rick Haughton. | They will continue to maintain the building and the running of the pub has been handed over to live-in manager - and fellow shareholder - Rick Haughton. |
Hopefully, we'll start getting the wives back in as opposed to just being a lads pub Rick Haughton, manager | |
"When Robinsons pulled out of the pub they stripped everything, so rather than just come into a pub that's already got the kit, we've literally started from scratch," he said. | "When Robinsons pulled out of the pub they stripped everything, so rather than just come into a pub that's already got the kit, we've literally started from scratch," he said. |
Regulars have been helping to restore the pub's original features, down to the bells previously used to get the attention of passing waitresses. | Regulars have been helping to restore the pub's original features, down to the bells previously used to get the attention of passing waitresses. |
But some amenities have been brought into the 21st Century, Mr Haughton said. | But some amenities have been brought into the 21st Century, Mr Haughton said. |
"For the first time the ladies toilets are moving inside, as opposed to the old way of the gents having an indoor loo and the ladies had an outdoor. | "For the first time the ladies toilets are moving inside, as opposed to the old way of the gents having an indoor loo and the ladies had an outdoor. |
"Hopefully, we'll start getting the wives back in as opposed to just being a lads pub." | "Hopefully, we'll start getting the wives back in as opposed to just being a lads pub." |
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