VILLAGERS who set up a community group to save their village pub are launching new project - to solve a village’s parking problems.

Great Oakley Community Hub was formed after villagers saved The Maybush Inn, in Farm Road, Great Oakley, from closure last year.

Campaigners rallied round and raised £86,110 to obtain a mortgage and buy the building.

Now the society is embarking on its next project, which will also support villagers.

It is looking to protect Red House, which is next door to the pub.

It recently come on the market with a guide price of £240,000 and is in need of a full refurbishment.

Community Hub members decided to make an offer to purchase Red House with a view to converting it into a much-needed food establishment for the village.

If their bid is successful, it will be used to help vulnerable villagers who find it difficult to get a hot meal each day.

Plans also include using the yard for parking to help alleviate congestion problems in the centre of the village.

Mark Godfrey, chairman of the group, said they also hope to use the first floor to benefit villagers in the form of affordable lets.

Mr Godfrey said: “The wellbeing of our community is our raison d’etre and when an opportunity such as Red House presents itself we will do what we can to add services that do not exist in the village.

“This opportunity ticks many boxes, helping sort the parking problems, providing an eatery for the village and the possibility of affordable lets for those wishing to remain in the village rather than move to other parts of the district.

“Our proposal received the unanimous backing of all members which is a strong endorsement”.

Mike Bush, who is the Tendring ward councillor for the village, praised the community involvement.

He added: “Since the launch of the community hub in February last year, it has grown from strength to strength a success story created by all volunteers.

“It has galvanized the village community.

“We want to offer more to our local villagers and not lose another key asset in favour of redevelopment.”

A new share offer combined with the society’s funds and a mortgage will be used to fund the purchase.

To contribute to the project, or get more information, contact the society at the Maybush Inn or by email at info@maybushinn.co.uk.