Residents of a small village on the road to Wiltshire’s famous Stonehenge neolithic monument have raised the £400,000 they need to buy the pub.

The Kings Head at Chitterne near Shrewton closed four years ago and villagers formed a community benefit society to try and purchase the pub and reopen it.

A recent share issue launched by the Chitterne Community Pub Group Ltd has raised more than the £300,000 they needed to go ahead with the Kings Head purchase.

The group has also taken on a £100,000 loan and is likely to raise further investment to help reduce the loan and pay for renovations.

They intend to buy the pub from its owner, who lives in the village, and have now instructed solicitors to complete the purchase.

The pub is the only one in Chitterne, which lies on the B390 road from the A350 near Warminster to Shrewton and Stonehenge.

Villagers had it designated as an asset of community value in a bid to protect it from being sold for residential accommodation.

John Dillon, a member of CCPG, said, “It is a great feeling to have raised enough money to progress with the purchase of The Kings Head.

“We have almost 100 investors already and that is a great testament to our local communities’ belief in the project and the desire to see the pub as a community hub, and once again at the centre of village life.

“A recent share offer has raised in excess of £300,000, which is a tremendous achievement.

“With the addition of a loan, the CCPG are now in a position to commence the purchase of the pub and solicitors have been instructed accordingly.

“It is hoped that the purchase can be concluded by October, and that the pub will be able to reopen before Christmas, which will be fantastic. The next step is to find a tenant to run the pub and to become part of the community.”

The plan is for the pub to become a community hub with a small shop, prescription dispensary and a cafe, all supported by local volunteers.

“Chitterne is a small, isolated village and having such a hub would be a huge benefit for residents and surrounding villagers,” Mr Dillon said.

The CCPG would love to hear from prospective tenants, as having the right tenant is crucial to its future success.

Further details can be found at www.chitternecbs.co.uk