In a surprise move, pub company Greene King has issued a statement saying The Junction in St Denys is not now for sale.
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Southampton City Council (SCC) had said the company had written signalling that it wanted to dispose of the Priory Road pub, which is listed on the council’s register of community assets.
The intention had been widely publicised on social media, and as reported, this would have given community groups a brief window to indicate their intention to bid for the pub themselves.
Moves were already being made to this end within the community.
But responding to a request for comment, a Greene King spokesperson said on Tuesday (May 19): “The Junction isn’t for sale now. We had considered selling the pub but have now decided to keep it and will look to recruit a new tenant when pubs can reopen again.”
The company said it was “updating SCC on the position”.
Reacting, Paul Jenks who had started co-ordinating a community response, said: “This is very encouraging news and those of us who decided to run a campaign would be very happy to work with Greene King to ensure a good future for this local pub.”
Updated 19/5/20 with addition of comment from Paul Jenks
Previously
Could community buy St Denys pub?