COMMUNITIES could be given up to £250,000 to help save their local pubs as part of the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced funding would be made available for communities across the UK to take ownership of pubs, shops and local sports clubs at risk of loss.

The Chancellor made the announcement during his Budget speech on Wednesday.

He said: "We’re creating a £150 million fund to help communities across the UK take ownership of pubs, theatres, shops, or local sports clubs at risk of loss – putting more power in the hands of local people.”

Following the news, we asked our readers on Facebook which pubs they would save under the scheme.

A popular choice among readers was The Bailey Head, which received plenty of praise from pub-goers.

One comment, made by Adam Ball, read: “The Bailey Head absolutely deserves the support. Prior to lockdown, it was a multi-award winning establishment that the town could be proud of.

“Grace and Duncan stand no nonsense and so created a safe and friendly social space for all out of a building that was once a drug-riddled hole of iniquity.

“Furthermore, during the tiered localised restrictions, I can't think of another pub that followed the rules to the letter and the spirit of the law as they did.”

Adam’s thoughts were echoed by other readers including Sian Tasker and Gordon Harris.

Another popular choice was the Oak in Oswestry, with Elaine Shuter describing it as the best pub in Oswestry.

Suggestions were made for several reasons – one of which being historical, with Robin Kynaston commenting: “I'd have to say either the Bell, The Fox or the Black Gate, just because they are the oldest pubs and I'm all about preserving the history of the town.”

Other pubs chosen in Oswestry included; The Greyhound, The Griffin, Boar’s Head, Penybont Inn, The Tankard, Bastion Alehouse, Three Pigeons, The Unicorn, Railway Tavern and The Old Vaults.

Some readers said they would use the money to bring back a venue from the past, with a handful suggesting The Star in Bailey Street.

As well as Oswestry venues, the Chirk-based Hand Hotel, Stanton House and Chirk AAA Sports and Social Club were listed among the comments, as well as The Sun in Welshampton and The Keys in St Martins.