Save the community pub

Reading is about 40 miles west of London and it is the biggest town in the UK, with a thriving community.

The Reading Railway Pub has been serving local people as a community pub for over 100 years. Originally aimed at Railway workers, it has become a retreat where people can relax and chill in a friendly environment. It also offers pool, darts and an outdoor area.

The pub is run by local people. We have kept prices much lower than nearby pubs as we are providing a service to the community, rather than trying to make a profit for a huge organisation.

Recently the toilets have become blocked. A plumber cannot fix it as the blockage is under an adjacent platform of the station, which requires track closure and specialist engineers who are qualified to work on the tracks.

So far, this has taken us over three weeks, with everyone wanting someone else to do the work and someone else to pay for it. We have been told that there is a buildup of sand from the railway lines due to there being improper manhole covers.

We have had to close the pub, but still have to pay bills (rent, insurance, etc.). We are trying every day to get the landlord, station management, Network Rail and Thames Water to work together to get the issue fixed and are chasing it every day.

And this is where we need your help. We are only asking for money to pay for things we have to pay for. The management will not be taking any of this money. We just want to re-open and continue to provide the service we have always delivered.

Once we are sorted (cleaned drains, new manhole covers), this should never happen again, so this request is a one-off.

All contributions, however small or large, are appreciated. When we are complete, the managers will hold a reopening party to which you are invited, if you can make it.