AN HISTORIC pub which was severely damaged by storms is to go on the market.

The 17th century cob-built Ship Inn suffered extensive damage in the autumn of 2023 when one gable end wall collapsed during Storm Ciaran.

Dawlish Town Council subsequently successfully applied for the pub to become an Asset of Community Value.

Now the council has been informed that the owners Punch Taverns have notified Teignbridge Council of its intention to sell the property.

Under the Community Right to Bid, an interim moratorium period is now in place until Thursday January 15 2026.

During this time, any local community interest group can submit a written request to be treated as a potential bidder for the asset.

If such a request is received, a full six-month moratorium will begin, which prevents the sale to anyone other than a qualifying community group during that time.

Earlier this year more than 90 people attended a public meeting organised by a community group called Refloating The Ship at Cockwood.

The aim was to ensure the restoration of the pub which had been a popular venue for locals and visitors.

However, the committee has stated: ‘We wish to make it clear that our full support will be given to a commercial solution to refloat The Ship pub.

‘It is only in the event that a commercial resolution is not achieved that we, as a fall back position, would seek to further explore the community option.’

At the meeting there had been ‘overwhelming’ agreement to support further exploration of buying the pub with the aim of running it as a community pub.

But it needs significant rebuilding and substantial repairs.

Now the owners have confirmed the intention to sell, Teignbridge Council has triggered the necessary six-week moratorium period during which community interest may be registered.

If a community group wishes to bid, a six-month moratorium applies to allow time to prepare a bid.