CUSTOMERS of the iconic Turkey Inn are clubbing together to buy the building to ensure it remains a pub.

Residents of communities near the Goose Eye hostelry hope to raise the £450,000 asking price between them.

More than £23,000 has already been pledged by local people for a fighting fund to ensure the pub is not snapped up by a housing developer.

The campaign group, Save Our Turkey, is also applying to Bradford Council for an Asset of Community Value order which would give members an extra six months to raise the necessary cash.

The moves came as the Turkey – on the market as a pub business since the beginning of this year – began to attract new interest from potential buyers.

Mark Shelley, who owns the 19th-century pub with partner Heather this week said: “As restrictions are now being lifted, we are starting to get some healthy interest from potential buyers.

“In the meantime we are looking into all possibilities of getting the pub back open in the near future.”

Campaign founder Richard Pierce said more than 170 people from surrounding hamlets and villages had already pledged support, including local councillors Adrian Farley and Luke Maunsell.

Mr Pierce said: “Our little group’s mission is simple: let’s get the pub running again for the enjoyment of its loyal customers and help to invest in a local community landmark.

“We are currently looking into setting up the pub as a community or cooperative business, or by keeping in touch with the current landlord to help ensure the business is sold to someone interested in it as a pub, and ensure the new owners are open to receiving feedback from the local community about its services, entertainment, food and drink.

“The start is to find out how much support there is from the local community – this might include investment opportunities through community shares, volunteering for the campaign, or the smooth running of the pub.

“We’ve managed to get all the signatures required to put in an application to make the Turkey an Asset of Community Value, and after just a day of the form going live we have received pledges of investment totalling £23,600.”

Cllr Luke Maunsell, whose Keighley Town Council ward includes Goose Eye, said he was worried for the future of the Turkey Inn.

He said: “I am very keen for it to continue as a local hub and hope it can be saved. Fortunately, the local community are very much behind it and there is incredible energy to be utilised.

“Whatever model secures its continued existence, the Turkey Inn needs to remain open to continue to provide a unique and much-appreciated pub service.”

Bradford councillor Cllr Farley, whose Keighley West ward includes Goose Eye, said: “The Turkey Inn is a well-regarded community asset for the Laycock and Goose Eye community.  It brings the community together; apart from Laycock Village Hall there is no other community provision and therefore it’s vital it is saved.”

In its sale notice, the Turkey Inn is described as a traditional, characterful, recently-refurbished pub.

It adds: “The Turkey Inn is an institution in its own right and much loved by generations of folk from the Keighley area for its authentic rustic charm, traditional atmosphere and excellent range of fine ales.

“Eight years ago the pub and business were in a sorry state but Mark and Heather Shelley were undeterred and set about knocking it into shape which included the basics such as a new roof, double glazed windows, central heating, rewiring, new fittings and furnishings together with a full catering kitchen and much more, all of which has helped bring back the customers and restored the fortunes of the pub.”

Visit savetheturkeycampaign.wordpress.com for further details of the campaign.