A CAMPAIGN group has been formed to save a historic Warrington pub which can trace it roots back to the 19th century.
The Fiddle I’th Bag Inn at Burtonwood is the last of four original place markers laid down in the village and also has a place in local military history.
Its name is derived from an instrument used for sowing corn, predating the Industrial Revolution of 1760 when many local places began their existence as agricultural settlements.
During World War 2 it became a favourite haunt of thousands of US servicemen based at the Burtonwood Air Base.
The pub closed in 2018 and has been in a deteriorating condition ever since.
But it is now up for sale and the Fiddle I’th Bag Appreciation Group is hoping it can undergo a full restoration and re-opening as a traditional community pub.
The group has secured the support of local businessman Rob Minjoot, theatre performer Lavinia and community campaigner David Barton to help draw up a strategy to save the pub for Burtonwood residents.
Mr Minjoot said: “As a long-term regular and resident of Burtonwood and the Fiddle, I truly hope that we can make an impactful difference to rescue this place
beloved by so many before it’s too late. Having first frequented the pub back in 2000, I have seen myself the true benefits of having a local with such a proud long-standing heritage that really appeals to so many different people.”
“We are ideally seeking to acquire the site and operate the Fiddle once more as a true community centre for locals to meet up and relax throughout the year.
“However something does need to be done urgently very soon. One of the major concerns shared collectively by all us residents is that the premises are not irrevocably changed thereby losing their old-time appeal and attraction.”
Local resident Lavinia said: “If you’re interested in supporting us please get in touch . If we can show just how important the Fiddle is to us then perhaps we can keep this wonderful building which has served families and friends for so many years and can yet do so for many more to come.”
Mr. Barton said: “Should a purchaser materialize who shares our same community-based resolve and wishes to bring back this community bastion, then we will wholeheartedly support them and do what we can to promote the site becoming a local landmark community hub once more.
“We are ideally looking at securing the premises in the first instance through an Angel Investor style set-up that will permit us to action our refurbishment plans soon after with the support that we have mustered to establish it as an Asset of Com munity Value.
“We are prepared to work alongside any third party that does acquire the premises, especially as we would be able to support them in undertaking a full refurbishment and restoration of the site should they wish to see the premises become a traditional pub once again.”
The Campaign Team can be contacted at [email protected] or [email protected].
