A POPULAR family pub could soon be preserved as a community asset, under new plans being considered by the council.

The Bullnose Morris pub, on Watlington Road, Blackbird Leys, is one of several venues being considered by Blackbird Leys Parish Council to become a community asset.

The beloved pub was closed in September after its owner, pub giant Greene King, announced it would be permanently closing at least 26 sites nationwide.

Read here: What is happening to the Bullnose Morris pub now?

At present Oxford City Council still owns the pub's freehold and Greene King is yet to sell its long-term lease on the building.

During the parish council's planning committee meeting on Monday, it was decided that inquiries will be made into what venues and buildings the parish should investigate becoming community assets.

Along with the pub, the community centre Jubilee Hall was also mentioned.

An asset of community value is a building or land that furthers the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community.

City Councillor Rae Humberstone is currently assessing the Bullnose's future as a community asset.

Mr Humberstone, who has discussed the matter with parish council Clerk Emma Kearney and parish council chairman Robert Davies, said while nothing is set in stone yet, he and the parish council would be keen to hear the publics thoughts on applying for the pub to be considered as a community asset.

Read also: The Bullnose Morris pub to close after Greene King announces closures

He said: “I have been thinking for a long time now that the Bullnose Morris would be the ideal example of what could be a community asset.

“Nothing concrete has been done, nothing has gone forward yet, we need to gather more opinions.

“We haven’t been helped by lockdown as we haven’t been able to go door-knocking to see what people think.”

The Bullnose first opened on Blackbird Leys in 1966 and is one of only two pubs situated on the estate.

Mr Humberstone added: “The Bullnose was a very popular family pub, even people who didn’t like to go to the pub would go to the Bullnose for a Sunday lunch.

“If the support is there, we can do it – it will be a long-drawn-out procedure, but we can do it.

“We are welcoming the public opinion on this, and we will be swayed by public opinion on this matter.”

Currently, there are 11 assets of community value in the Oxford district council region.

These include The Fir Tree pub on Iffley Road, The Chester pub on Chester Street, as well as the Kassam Stadium.

The Cowley Works Sports and Social Club is also a community asset.

Earlier this week it was announced that music lovers and gig-goers had launched a bid to preserve The Wheatsheaf concert venue, off the High Street, as a community asset.

Owners of the venue recently submitted a planning application to convert the venue's first floor into apartments.

Read here: Readers gutted over the closure of the 'best pub in Oxford'

If you would like to express your opinion about the Bullnose Morris pub being converted into a community asset, you can email Mr Humberstone at cllrrhumberstone@oxford.gov.uk or the parish council at clerk@blackbirdleysparishcouncil.gov.uk

The matter will be further discussed, and potential properties to be prosed to be community assets will be discussed in further detail at a full parish council meeting.

The next full parish meeting takes place on March 30, between 7pm and 9pm.

If you would like to attend the meeting please visit www.blackbirdleysparishcouncil.gov.uk

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