Popular Verwood venue The New Legion has been saved from closure after all.

Dsepite being sold by the Legion Trustees in December to a property developer, the deal fell through and the Save The Legion Campaign team seized the chance to keep the venue open. "We made our case afresh to a new buyer" said Alan Dorey, founder of the campaign. "He was keen to buy the premises as an investment and sees us as ideal tenants. Our detailed Business Case met his needs and he, the Legion and our team are all agreed on a new deal".

A 25 year lease has been agreed and subject to legal matters, transfer of ownership should take place in mid-March. "It means we can press ahead with our plans to make it a more commercial and lively venue - more gigs, more promotion and a real push on taking memberships" added Brian Giddings, Chair of the campaign committee. With first class facilities and a huge degree of good will in the district, there is every chance that the club will propve to be a big success. A re-branding exercise is under way involving a new name and styling - vital for its future and also a requirement of the Legion Trustees who have stated clearly that the word "Legion" cannot be used after the sale.

Watch this space.

Paul Randall/17th February 2010