A support package to help communities save their local pub as a co-operative has been announced by Community Pubs Minister Kris Hopkins.

Funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government, the £50,000 package means the Plunkett Foundation can help to the growing number of communities across England at risk of losing their local pub.

Already operating a specialist advice line for co-operative pubs, Plunkett can now extend its support to include specialist advice, funded study visits, mentoring support and peer-to-peer learning.

Mr Hopkins, who was speaking at the Fox and Goose co-operative in Hebden Bridge, said: “The Great British pub is a national treasure playing a crucial role at the heart of our communities, while providing thousands of jobs and boosting the economy by £21bn a year. A lot of hard work has been put in by communities up and down the country.

“Their efforts have been backed by terrific support from organisations like the Plunkett Foundation whose advice line, supported by the government, provides a wealth of advice and information for communities looking to take over their local. This is helping to create a growing number of thriving co-operative businesses run by and for the local community.”

The minister revealed that the number of pubs protected by communities’ use of their right to bid had passed the 500 milestone – although not all of these have been set up as co-operatives.

Peter Couchman, chief executive of the Plunkett Foundation, said: “There’s been extremely high demand for our Co-operative Pubs Advice Line and we know this will only increase as more and more communities are threatened with the loss of their local. We’re delighted to be able to extend support to communities looking to save their pub as a co-operative for the whole community to enjoy.”

• For more information call the Co-operative Pubs Advice Line at the Plunkett Foundation on 01993 810730 or email [email protected]. Communities have until 31 March to apply for this support.