'A BAND of Merry Mancunians' at the heart of a bid to save a pub in Stretford have now started an initial crowdfund.

The Messenger last week reported how Save the Robin Hood, a collective of residents in the town, are in talks with the owners to purchase the pub on Barton Road.

The Robin Hood has been abandoned since 2018, and photos taken inside the building show it is in a desperate state.

But the collective, coordinated by Colette Nerini, think there is still life in the landmark, which was built in the 1800s.

READ MORE: 'Save the Robin Hood' tries to rescue Stretford pub from developers.

A crowdfunding campaign with a target of £5,000 reads: "We are a band of Merry Mancunians who are fighting to Save the Robin Hood pub.

"Bought by developers who intended to build flats, we believe this space is part of Stretford's Heritage and should be restored for the whole community to enjoy."

READ MORE: See inside Stretford's Robin Hood as collective tries to rescue pub.

The initial crowdfund is not to help to purchase the pub, but to help out with costs such as a legal advice and surveyors.

To contribute, go to crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-robinhood.