Community · Corsham
Box village rallies to save Indian restaurant at the heart of the community
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Local residents and councillors have launched a campaign to designate The Bengal Bear as an Asset of Community Value, citing its vital role in the village's social and practical life.
A Wiltshire village has launched a formal bid to protect one of its most prominent social hubs, as residents and councillors unite to secure the future of The Bengal Bear in Box. The Parish Council has submitted an application to Wiltshire Council requesting that the High Street restaurant be officially designated as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
The move comes amid what local officials describe as a period of significant change for the village hospitality sector, with several cafes and pubs having closed their doors in recent years. Supporters of the application argue that the loss of The Bengal Bear would remove one of the few remaining accessible venues where residents can gather, dine, and build community relationships within the village centre.
The campaign has gained significant momentum, bolstered by a petition signed by over 300 residents. The proposal also has the backing of the Parish Planning Committee, the Full Council, the local Unitary Councillor, and Dr Brian Mathew MP.
Beyond its primary function as a place to eat, the venue has become deeply embedded in the life of the parish. The restaurant has a track record of supporting local talent, including the sponsorship of the Box Cricket Club, the annual Revels festival, and contributing to the success of local musicians and actors. It also played a pivotal role in a fundraising effort for resident and Paralympian Stephanie Millward, with one event at the premises raising £5,000.
The building itself holds a long history of serving the community, having functioned as a public house, The Bear, for years prior to its transition into an Indian restaurant around 2014. Supporters emphasise that the site provides more than just a social space; it serves a crucial practical function for the village's infrastructure.
The restaurant allows its car park to be used by residents visiting the pharmacy located opposite. Residents have noted that this arrangement is essential for ensuring that elderly villagers can access medication, as the pharmacy lacks its own parking facilities. Furthermore, this use of the car park helps to prevent illegal and obstructive vehicle parking on the busy A4, a move that local representatives say preserves road safety and accessibility.
The Parish Council maintains that the restaurant is a uniquely accessible asset compared to other local establishments, which often require residents to rely on cars or taxis. With previous proposals to convert the building into residential accommodation having been withdrawn following opposition, there is a clear local desire to ensure the site remains a public-facing community resource for the long term.
Source: Gazette & Herald — Corsham · View original