A village community has stepped up the bid to buy their local pub as a warning is issued about "malicious gossip" and "bullying".
The Cross Foxes Inn in Garndolbenmaen, Gwynedd, closed last April - sparking the start of a campaign for locals to buy the site and reopen the pub.
This was dealt a blow when the owners were given permission to turn the pub into a private home in May this year.
But discussions are now underway between Garndolbenmaen Community Society and the owners of the pub site - who the group have thanked for their cooperation.
They have though issued a plea for an end to "malicious gossip" they say has been aimed against some members of the group.
In a newsletter to "friends, fellow villagers, and supporters" they said this was a "form of bullying".
The newsletter stated: "If you don’t support what the group are doing that’s fine but please stop the malicious gossip that’s circulating and targeted at some individuals within the group, it' not right or fair as it‘s a form of bullying.
"Prolonged bullying destroys and has adverse effects on people's lives so please stop."
Despite some negativity they say the overall campaign is progressing well with the aim of raising £40,000 in a share offer.
They also hope to raise £40,000 from grants, donations and live events. The group will shortly be applying for a Welsh Government Rural Regeneration Grant.
On December 1 Garns Village Hall will host a fundraising concert by John ac Alun - who started out their long career at the pub - at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £8 ( under 17 free ) including light refreshments.
Talking about the campaign, they added: "Please note this is a group project and who are working together on behalf of the village so that we can have a pub, shop, etc, back here in our old village.
"This is about buying the Cross Foxes, nothing more, nothing less."
- Go to www.facebook.com/crossfoxess for more on the concert, the campaign and how to get involved. People can also call Caroll on 07787 298616.
