A BID to raise at least £70,000 has been launched to buy a run-down house and transform it into parking, social housing for villagers and a cafe.

Great Oakley Community Hub, which bought and renovated the Maybush Inn pub, is calling on residents to buy shares in order to raise the cash needed for neighbouring Red House in Farm Road.

The group put in an offer for the five-bedroom house, after it came on the market for a guide price of £240,000, which has now been accepted.

But at least £70,000 needs to be raised towards the purchase and refurbishment.

Chairman Mark Godfrey said: “It is amazing that we have the opportunity to protect and transform another iconic village building.

“Nobody would have dreamt we would be able to consider this when we began this journey.

“It is exciting but we are aware there will be challenges along the way.

“This is all made possible by the success of the Maybush Inn since we opened in February 2016.

“Run entirely by volunteers, we have been open everyday since.

“The community spirit that has been built in and around our hub gives us every confidence that we will succeed in our latest endeavour.”

It is planned to use the garden as an area for events, such as barbecues, transform the yard area into much-needed car parking and use the ground floor of the house itself as a village cafe and upstairs as three apartments for villagers in need.

Mark added: “The funds raised are going towards the purchase and refurbishment of Red House for the benefit of the village.

“A village eating house will be provided together with car parking and a beer garden for the Maybush Inn and social housing for villagers.

“I would encourage anybody who wants to be part of our thriving society and have a say in how both Red House and the Maybush Inn deliver the community’s needs to join us by investing what you can afford.”

For more information visit maybushinn.co.uk.