Last orders were called at the Flying Saucer in Gillingham on the 8th June, when at the last minute, Greene King decided not to renew their lease. Local residents Beverly Weir and Councillor Jim Gilbourne have led a campaign to save the pub from possible redevelopment ever since.
Many pubs are very important assets to local communities, often being a place to socialise, unwind and they play an important cultural role for local people. The Flying Saucer was described by many residents as “the heart of the village,” and it’s closure would’ve had a negative impact for locals. An application has been made to Medway Council for the Flying Saucer to be classed as an “Asset of Community Value”, which would help protect the site from any change of use without asking the community first! A decision will be given by the 2nd September.
The pub that opened in 1951 plays a central role in Hempstead and draws in people for their weekly quiz nights, mid-week board games group, and a weekly craft group, as well as having a darts team which brings custom from other teams from across Kent and Medway.
Councillor Gilbourne knew that the closing of the pub would’ve been disastrous for Hempstead, and a recent feasibility questionnaire received over 450 responses from local people, all eager to offer their support to bring the pub into community ownership should the freeholder decide to sell. Two public meetings were held over the weekend where the results of the feasibility questionnaire were shared, and possible ‘next steps’ were discussed. An example of a community buy-out was given about the Harrow pub at Stockbury, which came into community ownership in 2016/17.
