A COMMUNITY’S bid to take over its pub has failed.

Residents in Kinnerley had rallied together to turn the Cross Keys Inn into a thriving community-run business.

However, they were unable to raise the £300,000 required to purchase the Grade Two Listed building.

John Dyson, from the Cross Keys Community Society, said: “We didn’t raise anywhere like the number of pledges that were required – not even half.

“We just don’t know what will happen next.”

It means the future of the building now lies with local builder Les Jones, who bought the 700-year-old pub last October after it had been threatened with conversion into houses.

At that time the community was elated, but issues arose after learning they would require a 25-year lease to access funding bids to pay for the revamp.