THERE are many proposals or schemes involving local communities getting together for a specific project which, sadly, eventually come to nothing.

So how refreshing - no pun intended - to see the progress being made by residents in Belthorn and their ambitious plan to take over the local pub.

Tomorrow morning many of them will turn out for a clean-up so that refurbishments at Lancashire’s first community-owned free house can take place.

At a time when pubs are closing at an alarming rate, depriving many communities of a focal point and meeting place in the process, it is so heartening to see ‘people power’ coming to the fore and creating something which will benefit everyone.

The plans at the Dog Inn include an allotment and cafe, making it much more than the local boozer.

Indeed, all the meetings, planning and work that has gone into this project already must have enhanced the great community spirit in the area.

It all just goes to show that when the will is there, good things can be achieved.

It is hoped that the Dog Inn will be open next month.

When it does, everyone involved deserves that first drink.