A group of local residents are looking to reopen a former bakery in Chapelfields, Coventry, which had been earmarked for demolition.

The Craven Crusts project group plans to launch its share offer on 7 June, which it hopes will raise the necessary funds to buy, repair and fit out the Pail’s Bakery on Craven Street.

The plans are for a bakery and small café to be located downstairs, with the upstairs given over to an artist’s studio and space for community events.

The building itself is in a local conservation area, and the local community would like to see the characterful property restored as they said it was an important part of the history of the area.

Local residents Carole Donnelly, Ellie McCann, Dave Condron, Simon Mulholland and Adam Hussain have been working towards securing the purchase of the bakery from its current owner and gathering interest from people in the area.

It is thought the majority of funding will come from donations and community shares.

The shares will cost £1 each, with a minimum purchase of £50-worth set. The maximum anyone can buy is £20,000. The shares will only be available for four weeks, and are available to buy on its website.

For more information visit www.cravencrusts.com.