An approach has been made to the owners of the famous Moon and Sixpence at Tintern regarding the possibility of the public buying the freehold hostelrie as a community owned project.

Following the lead of The Angel in Grosmont, the approach has come about in light of the closure of two Tintern hosteleries in recent years. It is feared that The Moon and Sixpence, which is on the market, freehold, at £295,000, may be sold and converted into a private house or for alternative business use, thus losing one of the pub gems in the crown of the Wye Valley.

It is proposed that shareholders be issued with a discount card, entitling them to 20% off food and 10% off drinks all year round.

Moon and Sixpence owner, Lyndon Booth, said, "We came out of retirement to put the pub back on track to sell as a going concern. We would be delighted if it turned into a community affair."

In the UK, around 40 pubs are closing down each week. To help save these important centres of the community, the Plunkett Foundation offer help and support to those wanting to set up a community led business.

For communities at the feasibility stage of setting up or diversifying a community enterprise, a Bursary of up to £2,000 is available. The criteria for this is that communities need to be planning to raise at least £10,000 through a community share issue to be eligible.

To find out more about The Moon and Sixpence proposal, visit the pub for a prospectus or call Mr Booth on 01291 689284