Pubs & Open Space Given Protection

Four pubs and an area of open space in the Harborough District have been recognised as Assets of Community Value.

The White Hart in South Kilworth, Fox and Goose in Illston on the Hill, Cherry Tree in Catthorpe and Chequers Inn in Swinford have all received the status from Harborough District Council.

It means if they are put up for sale, communities will get the opportunity to bid to buy them – allowing them six months to put fundraising plans in place.

The ‘Thorpe Field’ in Church Langton has also received the same designation, over concerns it could be sold in the future.

The ‘Thorpe Field’ in Church Langton

Assets of Community Value (ACV), also known as The Community Right to Bid, allows communities and parish councils to nominate buildings or land for listing protection if the council believes their use furthers their community’s social well-being or social interests.

Cllr Simon Galton, Deputy Leader of Harborough District Council and Cabinet lead for Planning, said: “Communities everywhere have places they consider to be important for a variety of reasons including social, cultural, sporting or recreational interests. I am pleased therefore, that we have been able to list these valuable assets helping to safeguard their future.”

Since 2012 the council has designated a number of assets as ACVs that meet the criteria including fields, school buildings, allotments, sports fields, village halls, shops and Post Offices.