MORE than 100 Rogate residents were at a meeting aimed at raising £550,000 to buy and refurbish the village pub and run it as a community asset.

They heard that thousands of pounds has already been promised to the Save the White Horse (SWH) action group, led by resident Emma Yellop.

She said: “The plan is to raise the £550,000 through grants, donations and a Community Share scheme available to the villagers and to the wider public, as well as a top up loan if required.

“To date the project has received over £42,000 in pledges, almost 15 per cent of what is needed.

“It was clear from the enthusiasm expressed at the meeting, that Save the White Horse has huge support from the community.”

The Harvey’s Brewery pub on East Street closed for the last time on Sunday, August 6, last year, after a succession of landlords and closures, and the brewery put it up for sale.

Soon after that Emma and some friends launched the SWH campaign, and at the packed meeting in the village hall she related the history of the project so far.

Independent experts also explained how the White Horse could become a Community Asset at the hour-long meeting on Saturday, March 10.

Mark McTaggart from the Plunkett Foundation, which helps save rural businesses, outlined how a Community Share Scheme worked.

The foundation has already helped launch more than 140 successful community businesses, and has offered SWH a conditional loan and grant up to £100,000.

The audience also heard about the success of The Half Moon pub at Balcombe, now operating as a successful community pub.

Emma said: “Momentum is building as the project moves to the launch of the Community Share Scheme in April, and the project team would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in offering support or getting involved.”

For more information contact Emma Yellop on 01730 818340, or visit the website at: www.savethewhitehorse.org.uk