The news we have all been waiting for has finally arrived!

The pub site has been sold.

Yes, Wimpey have completed the sale of the pub site so we will definitely soon have a pub in the village. Don't know yet who it has been sold to, or when the pub will actually open (though realistically it will probably be at least a year or so away yet).

We also understand that Wimpey have sold the employment land area too, to a developer. This opens up the prospect of there being a shop in the village and perhaps a takeaway too. Current planning permission for the site would also allow a wide range of activity including offices, workshops, retails outlets such as hairdressers and florists, and a commercial nursery. We are hopeful that the developers will discuss their plans with the parish council, so we can contribute on behalf of the village.

Meanwhile it is still slow progress re getting The Centre up and running. The Stamp Duty issue has still not been resolved. It is caught up in a change in the law brought in after the original agreement to provide the building was signed. The Inland Revenue insist it is payable; we all think that it shouldn't be and that the change in the law never meant that it should be. As it will come to £30,000 it is a point worth arguing about.

Nevertheless when we met with Kettering Borough Council last week we agreed that this impasse simply can't be allowed to continue much longer. It might be best to pay it, and then appeal afterwards.

Once that is sorted we can then take possession and start to finish it off, with furniture and bar / lounge fittings.

Then actually run it.