NEIGHBOURS fighting for the future of their local pub are hoping many supporters will join them at a public meeting tonight (Thursday, March 12, 2020).

The Castle Inn in Kendal has stood empty for 16 months. Campaigners are hoping have it registered as an asset of community value to give them time to raise enough money to buy the early Victorian pub.

Organisers of tonight’s 8pm meeting at the nearby Castle Street Community Centre on Castle Street, say everyone is welcome to share ideas for saving the once-bustling inn.

So far, more than 90 people have responded to an online survey about their future wishes for the Castle Inn.

Meanwhile, the leader of community choir Lakeland Voices has pledged his support to the campaign.

David Burbidge said the choir practised at Castle Street Community Centre on Tuesday evenings and, on occasion, had visited the pub and sung there after choir practice, as had the Lakeland Fiddlers music group.

Mr Burbidge told the pub campaigners: “We have always very much enjoyed your pub.

"I would like to lend my support in whatever way might be possible - buying shares, doing fundraising concerts, letting others know that you are seeking support, etc.

“When you have the pub up and running again, we wonder if it might be possible to have community singing evenings in the pub.”

The choir already holds singalongs as pubs such as the Strickland Arms in Sizergh, the Badger Bar at Rydal, and the George and Dragon and the Sun Inn in Dent.

As reported by the Gazette, the Castle Inn pub campaigners hope to buy out the property from Heineken’s leased pub business Star Pubs & Bars.

Campaigner Mandy Barnett said they fear the asking price of £180,000 is worryingly cheap and could lead to their local being “lost forever” if sold to a property developer and turned into housing, subject to planning.

They have asked South Lakeland District Council to register the pub as an asset of community value which would give them six months to raise the money to buy it. The decision is expected to be made public on March 23.

- To support the campaign, email castleinnkendal@tutanota.com or fill out the survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Castle_Inn_Kendal