Villagers in Littlebury and Ickleton are raising money to save their community pubs from closure.

The Queen's Head in Littlebury is one of three freeholds in the area listed for sale by Greene King, along with the Lion in Ickleton and the Saffron Hotel.

Chris Shucksmith, chair of the Littlebury Community Pub campaign, said: "After the loss of so many rural pubs, it is great that both Ickleton and Littlebury villages are actively campaigning to own and operate their pubs.

"What makes our Queen's Head in Littlebury special is the great garden - one of the best in the area, and the central spot. We miss it!"

So far, around 120 supporters have pledged to buy approximately 2,400 shares in the pub in the first three months, which is around half of what the campaigners are hoping to raise from members of the community.

Chris added: "We need a big push from the people around the Saffron Walden area to hit our £250k target. 

"Once we combine that with support from the Plunkett Foundation, that should leave the campaign in a great position to secure the freehold."

Jonathan Ashe and Richard Swain, two residents who are helping to run the campaign, said: "Please support your local by filling in our short questionnaire and pledging to help us secure this wonderful pub in the beautiful village of Littlebury."

To take part in the survey or pledge your support, go to www.littleburypub.co.uk.

The Indian night to help save the Ickleton LionThe Indian night to help save the Ickleton Lion (Image: Ickleton Lion)

Meanwhile, in Ickleton more than 100 people enjoyed a feast of Indian food on Friday evening, in the latest fundraiser to help buy the Ickleton Lion.

The Ickleton Lionhearted group wants to purchase and reopen the Lion as a community-owned pub.

To help the pub go to www.ickletonlionpub.co.uk.

READ MORE

Rachel Radford, chair of Ickleton Lionhearted, said: "We have been totally thrilled with the positive response we have received to our appeal for support and investment to help us preserve our historic and much missed pub. 

"We have now raised over 86 per cent of the funds needed, so we are tantalisingly close to our £450K target! 

"Our share offer closes at midnight on Sunday, September 15."