Save the Angel Campaign update June 2024

Thank you all so much to all who supported the Save The Angel campaign. It drew in a huge amount of support from the community and wider local area. We are so grateful to everyone who got involved. Unfortunately we’ve had to press pause - to regroup and reflect on the aims and objectives of our project. The granting of planning permission to convert the Angel to housing last month was a huge blow to the campaign. And now, as a result, the owner has now confirmed they no longer wish to sell to us and intend to offer it at auction immediately. While we still hope it might be bought up and re-opened as a pub, the chances are slimmer than ever. What can we say…we tried our best... 😪

However.. all is not lost.

Our community consultation demonstrated firm support for the creation of a community pub hwb in Salem - and the community share pledge campaign raised over £27,000 in its first 3 weeks. And while the Angel site is now out of reach, there's nothing to stop us developing a fresh vision with the community for another site in the village.

Through the Heol-galed Memorial Hall charitable trust, the village already owns a hall and field - so we're forming a working group together with Trustees, the Hall & Residents Commitees, and are exploring the idea of a new community pub hwb on land next to the hall.  

This could still offer affordable food and drink, a cafe and wi fi daytime space, with a small shop, parcel collection and improved space for clubs and societies to meet and socialise. It could provide a tourism offer, jobs for local people and a warm space for us all to connect, meet old friends and make new ones. There are lots of examples where this works well elsewhere in Carmarthenshire and across Wales.

Have Your Say

We want to know what you think of the plan and need your input to shape our vision.  We're having a public meeting at the village hall to discuss our ideas on Saturday 8th June, 10am- 12 noon. *Come along and have your say!*