The epitome of the picture-postcard fishing village, Portloe on the Roseland Peninsula is one of Cornwall’s prettiest locations. But with only two fishermen remaining, it is now a second homes paradise, with such properties making up 83 per cent of the accommodation.

Now St Austell Brewery has decided to sell the Ship Inn, a quintessential Cornish pub that started off as a 17th century fisherman’s cottage and even saw one of its landlords imprisoned for smuggling in the 1800s.

Fearful the building may turn into yet another property that’s only lived in for a few weeks a year, concerned locals have formed a community group to investigate taking it over themselves.

Current tenants Jarrad Hussey and Nick Coxall will continue running the pub until “the ideal buyer” is found. Jarrad told us that helming the Ship over the past two years has been a struggle due to the high number of second homes and holiday lets in the village.

A meeting held in Veryan on December 30 resolved that a working group be set up to investigate possible community ownership. Veryan Parish Council has sent the intention of the community’s bid to Cornwall Council.

A parish meeting heard last week that the community group will now have to register as a charity or community interest company (CIC). The seven-strong group is taking advice from the Plunkett Foundation, a charity which helps rural communities create and run their own businesses. Residents will have their say at a further public meeting to discuss the options available for the group.

Parish council chairman Luke Dunstone said: “The feeling in Portloe is that people really want to proceed with this. I’ve not heard anyone talk about it in a negative way. It’s exciting because I think it might be a chance to revitalise the village.”

It’s clear residents would all back a community takeover. “It would be awful if the pub was lost,” said one. “We’ve lost lots of things in the village over the years, including the tearooms.” Another added: “The village is closing down. If there is no village pub, tourists won’t come.”

Alison Moreland told us: “Unfortunately, I think the prices pubs have to charge these days, particularly if they have to pay rent to St Austell and being a tied house, does put people off a bit. If it becomes a free house, that might keep costs down and benefit local people.”

Many said they would like to reinvent the idea of what a village pub should be, perhaps with more of a café atmosphere where people can play board games or use it as a community centre.

“It’s right next to the coast path so people will come up to grab a sandwich or a takeaway even,” said Pip Churchill.

A St Austell Brewery spokesperson cornfirmed its intention to “pass on the ownership of this wonderful pub”, adding: “This presents a fantastic opportunity for someone to acquire a well-loved building with great potential for future success as a freehold.”