RESIDENTS of Welland are being urged to have their say on the future of the Pheasant Inn in the centre of the village.

The parish council is hosting two drop-in sessions to find out what people think should be done about the pub.

The Pheasant has been empty for seven years and has fallen into dereliction, forming an eyesore in one

of the most prominent sites in the village.

The drop-in sessions at Welland Village Stores will allow local residents the opportunity to get their views heard, get their questions answered, and offer ideas and support.

The sessions will also offer people the chance to talk about a proposal to buy Pursers Orchard to be a designated community orchard.

Volunteers from the working groups and the Parish Council will be on hand to listen and to help with information about these community projects.

The sessions are on Wednesday, August 16, from 2pm to 5.30pm, and Saturday, August 26, from 9am to 12.30pm. There will be free refreshments.

Viv Nelson, chairman of Little Malvern and Welland Parish Council, said: “Whilst we have had several public meetings about these important matters, we need to have detailed discussions with locals to gauge their levels of enthusiasm and commitment.

"We think the best way of doing this is to have informal discussions with as many villagers as possible before we go move to the next stage.”