The Dobermann Inn, in Framsden, near Stowmarket, and the White Horse Thelnetham, near Diss, given lifeline grant funding from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund

Community groups looking to regenerate two Suffolk pubs have received lifeline funding from the Government.

The Dobermann Inn, in Framsden, near Stowmarket, and the White Horse Thelnetham, near Diss, will be given a share of the Community Ownership Fund (COF) – a £25 million funding pot rescuing community places that form the beating heart of a local community.

Ikigai Farm Ltd, which created the project Save The White Horse Thelnetham, will receive £298,800 from the COF fund to help purchase, renovate and restore The White Horse pub so it can continue to serve as both a pub and community hub, supporting a wide range of local social activities and clubs.

The Framsden Social Enterprises Community Benefit Society Ltd will receive £276,300 for The Dobermann Inn with the money being used to purchase the pub so it can continue to be a vibrant and engaging asset that provides social, leisure and commercial activities to a rural area of Suffolk.

The two pubs are among 70 treasured buildings that will be saved across the UK in this Government levelling up funding.

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, said: “Investing in communities improves lives – whether that’s rebuilding a community centre, rescuing historic pubs and theatres or upgrading sports facilities used by families every day.

“These are unique and cherished places, valued by local people of all ages, and we know how much they mean to communities.

“The Community Ownership Fund is about restoring pride in the places people call home and I’m delighted to be funding these projects.”

The Community Ownership Fund has funded more than 250 projects across the UK worth a total £71.4 million to date. The fund – worth a total £150 million – was launched in 2021 to provide targeted support for community places that most impact local people.