Montville locals raise a glass to proposed community pub idea

Forum backs move as part of push to improve services

A community-owned pub and bottle shop could soon become a reality in Montville, following strong support for the idea at a recent community forum.

The June 29 forum brought together 55 locals to identify priorities for the village’s future, with the concept of a locally run social hub emerging as one of the most talked-about proposals. Residents said Montville lacked a dedicated space for locals to gather, socialise and connect — and a community pub could help fill that gap.

The forum, hosted by the Montville Village Association, also addressed broader themes including liveability, village identity, and long-term planning.  

The event capped off two years of consultation, including a well-supported community survey, and brought together residents of all ages to discuss the village’s strengths, challenges and aspirations.

Attendees explored what makes Montville special — and what’s needed to make it even better. 

The need for more services, improved communication, and accessible public spaces featured strongly in discussions. Ideas included a community pub and bottle shop, an arts centre for local artisans, more youth programs, and expanded public transport — particularly on weekends.

Montville’s identity as a creative, artisan village was a recurring theme, with calls to better celebrate its cultural heritage and foster  community events to connect locals and visitors.

MVA’s action plan, shared at the forum and now available online, outlines six priority areas: Arts & Culture, Transport & Liveability, Community Pub & Social Hub, Community Events & Identity, Village Liveability & Growth, and Communication. Each project has a working group, coordinator and target date, with community members invited to join and contribute.

Local representatives Andrew Wallace MP and Andrew Powell MP attended the forum and expressed strong interest in its outcomes, reinforcing their support for grassroots planning.

A key tension was the balance between Montville’s role as a tourist destination and its responsibility to local residents. 

Many participants acknowledged the benefits tourism brings but voiced concern that too many businesses focus solely on visitors, with limited engagement in the wider community.

Despite this, the forum sparked immediate momentum. Planning is already underway for a proposed community pub, and working groups are forming across the six priority areas.

Better communication was also flagged as a critical issue, with locals calling for more transparency, regular updates, and easier access to community news and feedback channels.

MVA President Wayne Parcell welcomed the forum’s success and said the next step was turning ideas into action. 

“Montville’s future needs you,” the MVA’s flyer states. “Together, we can create the thriving, vibrant village we all want.”

• For the full report go to http://bit.ly/3H9wqqA