THE group trying to save a much-loved Malvern pub has again called for investors with a deadline fast approaching.

The Brewers Community Pub Group, working to try and buy the Brewers Arms in West Malvern, has gathered around 70 per cent of the money it needs to take ownership, but still has a way to go with a week left before its deadline.

Brian O'Connell, from the group, said more potential investors need to come forward to help secure its future.

He said: "As of June 26, I’m pleased to be able to report that we now have over 70 per cent of the money that we need to be able to purchase the pub.

"I’m now asking people who have still to fulfil their pledges to invest their money to now do so as quickly as possible.

"We just need one last push to get it over the line.

"It didn’t help things that there were delays in getting a suitable bank account set up, but that is all resolved now.

"People can pay by cheque or bank transfer."

The group plans to buy the pub on behalf of the community and funds raised will also allow a backlog of repairs and improvements to be made to the popular village pub.

If all goes to plan, the expectation is that the pub will change hands by the end of August.

The campaign to save the Brewers started in late 2021 when Admiral Taverns announced its intention to pull out.

Following a succession of landlords failing to make a success of the pub, a community group of West Malvern residents and real ale enthusiasts launched a bid to take over the pub on a community ownership basis.

This involves the community buying shares in the pub, allowing it to be taken over and run as they see fit.

The benefits of a community-run pub are mainly that it can operate with much lower costs and more freedom over how it operates.

To learn more about plans for the Brewers Arms, go to www.brewerscommunitypub.co.uk,