A MEETING to help decide the future of a popular Malvern pub takes place this week.

A group of residents is seeking to buy the Brewers Arms in West Malvern after its owners put the site up for sale.

At a meeting in West Malvern Village Hall on November 17, residents will be hoping to solidify their plans for the site, fearing it could be sold off for housing.

The pub has been put on the market by owners Admiral Taverns, so the community group is hoping it can keep the site alive for future generations.

Local resident and pubgoer Brian O’Connell said the meeting would give those interested in the “once in a lifetime” opportunity to learn about securing the pub’s long-term future.

Mr O’Connell said: "It will afford an opportunity for people to find out how the local community can take ownership, and therefore long-term control, of the Brewers Arms.

"If such a course of action were to be agreed, then we would be looking to produce a business plan ahead of issuing a community share prospectus.

"Once the necessary funds have been raised, we then would anticipate bidding to purchase the pub.

"This represents a once in a generation chance to establish the Brewers on a sustainable footing in the local community."

Malvern Hills District Council has said that community groups have until December 6 to show their interest in bidding for the pub.

The meeting will take place from 7.30pm and those attending have been asked to wear face masks.

The Brewers Arms is the last remaining pub in the village following the closure of the Lamb Inn several years ago.

In 2016, it was officially declared an asset of community value, under the government’s recent Localism Act.

In 2018, previous landlady Alison Maddrell decided to leave, saying she wanted to spend more time with family.

The pub's situation is not helped by the fact West Malvern Road will be closed until Christmas while Cadent carries out gas works in the area.