VILLAGERS were told they had 'nothing to worry about' at a meeting to discuss the future of a pub purchased as a community asset by Dilwyn Parish Council three years ago.

Residents packed into the village's Cedar Hall last Thursday to both support and challenge the council on issues surrounding The Crown Inn, bought from Punch Taverns for about £250,000 in 2012.

A report released earlier this year, carried out by Grant Thornton UK LLP on behalf of the Audit Commission, found the parish council responsible for “serious failings” in its governance and procedures over the purchase of the property as a community hub.

And some residents were concerned when the pub was closed for just over two weeks earlier this month after its second tenants left following a dispute with the council. It reopened last Wednesday.

But at last Thursday’s meeting, councillors issued assurances that there would be no financial repercussions for parishioners.

Councillor John Gerrish said: "Were there to be an emergency, there is, at present, £27,000 in a deposit account put there ideally for development into phase two which is obviously something very important to do in the future.

“So there is that to fall back on, were there to be such a problem, that would actually keep things running for a year and a half and that should be quite long enough to sort out whatever that problem was."

If it came to a 'total catastrophe', the building would sell, he said, leaving the village well in pocket.

“So there is absolutely no worry whatsoever and it's quite wrong to pursue the notion that the community, every one of us, is at any risk," he said.

"The point is we could sell it. I hope that that is a convincing explanation as to why there is absolutely nothing to worry about."

One resident said anyone with a counter view against the running of the pub had been 'vilified', with some people in the village too afraid to speak up.

But a large proportion of those who attended last week’s meeting spoke in support of the council, claiming that newcomers to the village were stirring things up.

The pub, Councillor Peter Kyles said, would become a great financial asset to the village as time went on.

Cllr Gerrish added that the next six months, during which the parish council would run the Crown Inn, would be a period of reflection and of considering what might be done to improve matters – including financially.

"What we need most of all is the time, the breathing space in order to do that," he said.

"Nobody has enjoyed the last few weeks for very many reasons. What we must do now is look forward and if we do all look forward and actually contribute by using the pub then these matters would resolve themselves."