PUB-GOING villagers are fighting to save their local inn.

More than 100 locals from Gussage All Saints, near Wimborne, have joined forces to campaign for the much-loved pub, The Drovers Inn, from being shut for good and turned into a residential property.

Villager Sally Marlow said: “The pub’s closing came very quickly upon us. At first we thought it was a new landlord taking over. But recently a planning notice went up on the site which was backdated to December 29.

“This historic pub is an essential part of our village and wider community. We always used to meet up with everybody over Christmas and New Year, bringing family and friends together. This year it was like living in a black hole.”

The pub is currently owned by the Marston’s brewery and was put on the market 12 months ago. Contracts have since been exchanged with an unnamed purchaser, with an extended completion date.

A spokesperson for the brewery said: “We concluded our agreement with the last tenant on favourable terms, after it was deemed not financially viable to operate the pub due to a decrease in footfall.”

Mal Madell, chairwoman of the Action Group formed to rescue the pub, said: “The Drovers has become a focal point for quiz nights, meetings, social events, and fundraising for local charities. Local bands have entertained us, and last year saw birthday and baptism celebrations.

“There are two home darts teams that have to find somewhere else now.

“Also elderly residents living alone used to have somewhere to go for an inexpensive meal and some company.

“We want to prove to the council that The Drovers is viable as a public house, and that it is a Community Asset with an inn dating back to the late 18th century.”

Chris Panks has lived in the village for 18 years with her husband, Derek. She said: “There is a very strong community here. You only have to come to our summer fete to see that.

“Some of the new residents have moved here specifically because of experiencing the wonderful camaraderie at the fete, but even more moved in because there was a pub.

“We are objecting to the application for change of use and would ask anyone else who cares about The Drovers to do the same by writing to the East Dorset District Council Planning Department.”