Oakley Parish Council has purchased their village pub, the Chandos Arms, from Punch Taverns. A couple of local branch members visited the pub to talk to parish councillors about how they made this remarkable and impressive achievement for their local community. We understand parish councils elsewhere in the country have purchased pubs but it's a first for our county or branch.

The councillors were keen to pass on some very useful practical information that they think would be extremely valuable for other communities in a similar position. When the opportunity to buy the pub arose, the council had to act very quickly and it was fortunate they could draw on some local expertise to assist with the purchasing process. The council was able to fund the acquisition via a Public Works Loan. They were assisted in accessing this by the Plunkett Foundation who support local communities, including helping save community pubs.

Oakley Parish Council are currently making plans for running the Chandos Arms and it is likely to close for some refurbishment early next year, followed by a relaunch as a community owned local.