Co-operative 'could solve' Mid Wales pub closure

The Kings Head, in Meifod, which had been run by temporary landlords in recent months on behalf of Admiral Taverns, was boarded up on Saturday after closing last week.

The closure has rocked residents, who say the pub was "the hub of the community".

Resident Katherine Gilmour is now calling on other members of the community to show their love for the public house by joining together to form a co-operative, which could lead to the pub being run by villagers.

She said: "Unfortunately, we've had no benefactors come forward.

"I think our best bet is to form a community co-operative.

"We can't just sit back and do nothing, that isn't an option.

"If people feel strongly about our pub, a co-operative could be the solution."

Jonathan Wilkinson, a member of Meifod Community Council, said he would "100 per cent" back a co-operative.

But he said in order for such a move to be a success, a "committed and energetic leader" would be needed in order to drive it.

He said: "I do think a community co-operative would be a fantastic idea.

"It's something I would fully support but what I would say is a committed and energetic leader is needed.

"I don't want to make any illusions. It would be incredibly hard work.

"It would be difficult and it would be time consuming.

"And once you throw finance into the mix, that's when it gets even more tricky."

Councillor Wilkinson said "hundreds of thousands of pounds" would be needed to secure the pub's long-term future.

He described the closure of the much-loved pub as an "awful shame".

"It was the community's last pub, which means there's nowhere else for people to go," he said.

"That could be detrimental especially for elderly people or those who can't drive.

"They could end up isolated without a community space like the Kings Head.

"I do believe it could be an extremely viable pub with the right diving force behind it.

"It's on a main road, which gets a lot of tourist traffic.

"We've got caravan parks nearby. Its location was ideal."

However, Admiral Taverns said it did not believe the pub had a "long-term future".

Neal Barnes, a spokesman for the pub chain company, said: "From time to time we have to review where a pub fits within our portfolio.

"Unfortunately, we do not believe the Kings Head has a long-term future as a part of our business.

"As such we will be putting the pub on the market for sale over the coming weeks."

The Meifod community, which is known for its spirit, also fought to stop overhead power lines taking wind farm energy to the national grid.