TIME is quickly running out for the action group anxious to save Crickhowell’s Corn Exchange pub from being taken over by a supermarket chain.

Townspeople have already pledged nearly half the £500,000 needed to prevent the alehouse being snapped up by a national company who, they claim, would destroy Crickhowell’s fiercely guarded independent reputation.

But some locals say they want a well known convenience store operator to establish itself in the town to spare them bargain-hunting trips for cheaper goods in Abergavenny.

The group behind the push for accruing more cash before time runs out in mid-August remain confident of an ‘historic victory for the community spirit.’

In just over a week they managed to stump up nearly half the amount needed with pledges ranging from £500 to £30,000.

Corn Exchange Action Group (CEAG) wants the community to buy the building to preserve the character of the historic High Street which at the moment is run entirely by family-owned businesses.

Spokeswoman Emma Bevan said, “Thousands of people wrote to oppose plans for a convenience store in The Corn Exchange because they believed it would drive other independent shops out of business. If each one of those invested in its future, then we would achieve our target.”

CEAG has joined forces with local property expert Dean Christy who has offered to work with the community to set up a company owned and run by local people to buy and refurbish the building. They are asking for pledges of £500 or more. In return the financial backers will be given shares in The Corn Exchange and given a say in how it is run.

Dean Christy said this week, “It is amazing that, already, so many people from this small community have stepped up to the challenge to save the town.

“If we succeed, it would send a clear signal that Crickhowell is special - and we want to keep it that way.”

He added, “Already, credible local people with a wealth of business knowledge have offered money and help in running the building for the community.

“And it is they and the shareholders who appoint the directors who will decide how The Corn Exchange is used.”

Punch Taverns have been working with the town to find alternative uses for the building, but have so far been unable to reach overall agreement with small businesses wanting to lease it from them.

As a gesture of goodwill, Punch have delayed marketing the property. But they have told CEAG they have been under pressure from an interested supermarket chain - and they will put it on the open market in mid-August unless it is sold beforehand.

Emma Bevan said, “We had a fantastic response when we launched the share offer at £5,000 but we lowered it to £500. Saving Crickhowell could be something in which the whole community could be involved.”

Anyone who wants to know more can email the action group on [email protected]