A campaign to raise money to get a popular village boozer reopened has reached Parliament.

Gillingham and Rainham MP Naushabah Khan highlighted the fight of locals attempting to buy The Flying Saucer in Hempstead and get it reinstated as an asset to the community.

Their mission got the seal of approval from communities minister Alex Norris who is pledging to strengthen the rights of residents to take control of facilities that benefit them on their doorstep in upcoming legislation.

Speaking in the House of Commons this week, in response Ms Khan’s request to support campaign group, The Friends of The Flying Saucer, he said he would welcome further discussion.

When the brewery Greene King announced the hostelry “at the heart of the village” was to close in June it sparked a wave of protest among regulars.

They maintained that it wasn’t just a place to grab a drink but a vital social hub boosting well-being and community cohesion.

A steering group was formed and, as a result, Medway Council classified the pub as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), which gives the community the opportunity to bid for it when listed for sale on the open market.

This designation stays on the local authority’s list for up to five years and helps protect it from redevelopment.

In agreeing to a reprieve the authority has recognised the pub’s positive impact on residents’ well-being and the valued social interest it provides.

The site owner has now named his price at £1. million and he is also believed to have requested they show their intentions as soon as possible as there are other interested parties at the table.

Joint lead campaigner Beverly Weir said they have had an independent value carried out and would be offering a sum “significantly lower”.

So far between £600,00 and £650,000 has been put forward through grants, loans and more than 200 pledges.

Mrs Weir, who has lived in Hempstead for 40 years, said: ”We have raised a lot but what is being asked is ridiculous.

“We have five years and a lot can change in that time. We are exploring other options and are determined to keep up the momentum and not give up the fight.”

Mrs Weir and ward councillor Jim Gilbourne have been in contact via email with the freeholder and have visited two other ACV pubs in the county, The Harrow at Stockbury and The Plough at Trottiscliffe, to see how they work.

The Plunkett Foundation, a charity which offers free advice to community businesses for help and support on legal matters and how to successfully bid for funding has also been approached.

Following the ACV news, those behind the battle to get the beer flowing at the hostelry, which has been serving customers since the 1950s, are urging supporters to keep up the momentum.

Mrs Weir said out of 450 people who completed a questionnaire, 94% wanted it to reopen.

She told supporters: “You all voiced what you wanted to see in your pub, but unfortunately only 55 people have pledged shares.

“If we can’t raise sufficient funds from the community - and from outside - we can’t apply for funding or grants, so the pub closes..

“Please don’t be complacent thinking others will do it, they won’t.”

Of course I would be keen to meet my honourable friend and the campaigners on that issue

Mrs Weir said she was “delighted” their campaign had been raised in Parliament which came about after a meeting with Miss Khan.

She said the campaign needs help in seeking tax relief available to investors concerning community enterprises, information on whether the Labour government will continue with the community match fund and clarification on its commitment to strengthening community rights legislation.

Communities minister Alex Norris said the government will look to introduce a strong new right to buy for valued community assets, which will help local people to acquire valued community spaces when they come up for sale, through the upcoming English Devolution Bill.

Addressing Ms Khan and her request for a meeting during a session on Monday (December 2), he added: “You know there is no greater enthusiast in this place for a local pub than me. And indeed for flying saucers.

“These are exactly the types of assets of community value we are talking about, and exactly the sorts of assets that will be in the scope of the new community right to buy.

“Of course I would be keen to meet my honourable friend and the campaigners on that issue.”