One of Gower's oldest and most historic pubs which was forced to close last year is hoping to make a welcome return.
The Dolphin Inn, in Llanrhidian, dates back to the 18th century but closed suddenly last July.
No reason for the closure was announced, but the decision came during a tough time for the the publican trade nationally, even before the pandemic struck.
Read more : Inside Wales' first wedding with absolutely no restrictions
Now siblings Mike Beynon and Lynne Bladen have submitted a planning application to transform The Dolphin into a community pub, which would include providing four bedrooms, and the conversion of a stable into a cafe or other alternative use.
The plans also include provision for outdoor camping pods.
According to the brother and sister, the changes are needed to provide additional revenue opportunities so the pub can be financially viable for the future. But they also want to preserve the traditional nature of the venue.
They said the best way of undertaking the plans was through community ownership and are now asking the local community for their views on the proposals, including whether they would be interested in investing in shares in The Dolphin.
Lynne Bladen said: "We would love to keep the pub going in the village. Our family have lived in Llanrhidian for generations and we want to keep it, but there are a lot of challenges.
"It needed a lot more footfall, because it could not survive as it was. It would be an awful loss for the local community, and we are hoping they might be able to step in and help it secure its future. We don't want to see it developed or have a change of use".
Lynne and Mike's aunt, Margaret Thomas, was licensee of the pub for fifty years until her death last June.
She and husband Layton had bought the property from brewer Bass having run it since 1967, and for years The Dolphin was at the heart of village life, hosting a number of social societies, dog shows, music nights, book clubs and was also central to the village fair.
The pub had shut between 1995 and 2007 for family reasons, after which Mike took it over, running it until 2019. His son-in-law Callum Moffat then took it on until the closure. A number of Swansea pubs have shut in the last decade - you can read more about that here.
Situated next to St Rhidian’s Church, it regularly hosts weddings, christenings, funerals, and has fantastic views over fields and the Loughor estuary, a large beer garden and children’s play area.
It prospered over many years and has been a regular in the Good Beer Guide.
It has a long history - including a former landlord, Christopher Batcock, who murdered a toll collector on the North Gower Road in 1845
Lynne added: "Change is inevitably difficult and can be unpopular, we believe that these development proposals strike the right balance between preserving and enhancing the traditions of The Dolphin and securing its future in a challenging and changing world.
"The Dolphin is a unique, historical gem. We think these proposals can secure its future viability as a going concern and protect the historical and commercial value of the pub for future generations".
To be part of The Dolphin’s future people can share their views on the proposals on its Facebook page, or by emailing dolphininncomment@hotmail.com
Get stories like this straight to your inbox with our newsletters.
