Spring Newsletter-Keeping you Informed

Hello to all our supporters and others Interested in the future of the White Lion Crays Pond as a Community Pub with so much more.

As we have not been in touch recently here are some points as to where we are.

·         The White Lion site is registered with SODC as an Asset of Community Value under the Localism Act.

The owner did not make a further appeal to the decision after the initial appeal to SODC was rejected.

So the property holds an ACV status until 2029.

·        The Devolution Bill proposed by the new Government is soon to be debated.

In the Kings Speech, and the documentation that followed the Bill was stated to have objectives of-

‘Protecting cherished community assets and high streets whilst empowering communities with new rights and levers to influence their neighbourhoods.’

‘The government will therefore deliver on its manifesto commitment to replace the community ‘Right to Bid’ with a strengthened ‘Right to Buy’ Assets of Community Value, creating a more robust pathway to community asset ownership. We will support community ownership by funding projects through the Community Ownership Fund in 2024/25, allowing communities across the country to purchase cherished assets that are at risk of being lost.’

We welcome these statements which may enable communities to buy long term vacant property, and we look forward to watching the Bill proceed through Parliament and what the Government comes forward with to replace the funding from the Community Ownership Fund for 2025 onwards.

·         With the Devolution Bill going through Parliament in mind we spoke at some length with our new Henley MP, Freddie van Mierlo.

We were very pleased with the outcome of the conversation and the initiatives he agreed to take forward with the Ministry responsible for the Bill and with his Party Spokesperson. He will also contact SODC on our behalf over the continuing empty state of the property.

He stated- ‘Community assets like The White Lion are vital for fostering local connections and supporting social well-being. I am committed to advocating policies that empower communities to maintain and protect these spaces.’

Well Said Freddie!!!!!!!

·         Since the ACV was granted, again, and the Owners appeal failed, again, we have gained 22 New Supporters andfurther £10000 plus in In Principal Promises.

Thanks to all those Involved.

Remember In Principal Promises of Financial support, for when the time comes to set up a formal share offering, is one way we can show SODC and others we have the means to buy the property when it is to be sold.

In Principal Promises can be made on our website at the fundraising page, and your data is kept secure.

https://www.savethewhitelion.com/contact

Thank you all for your continued support we can’t do this without you

The Crays Pond Community Group

For further information please contact us on the Email address below.

CPCG Officials: Fiona O’Brien – Chairperson. Bill Pechey – Secretary. Chris Hurst – Treasurer

Contact- crayspondcommunitygroup@gmail.com

Website- www.savethewhitelion.com

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