VILLAGERS have launched a last-ditch attempt to save a New Forest pub that is due to close next week.

A newly-formed action group led by accountant Peter Simpson aims to persuade civic chiefs to designate the Wheel Inn at Sway Road, Pennington, as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

The Pennington group was formed after locals learned that the landlord of the pub, Pete Walters, is retiring on July 31.

It is understood that the owners, Terramek Ltd, intend to close the popular watering hole after failing to find a buyer.

Mr Simpson said: "It's important that the Wheel remains a pub, it provides an essential community meeting place for local residents who would otherwise be isolated."

Locals fear the 19th century pub could be turned into flats.

Mr Walters, 66, said: "The owner has been trying to sell it but hasn't had any takers and says it isn't going to be a pub any more.

"The local community are getting together to try to save it. It would be nice if it continued."

Owners of a building that is an ACV must tell the local council if they want to sell the property.

Any community group interested in buying the premises is then given six months to raise the money.

Following a recent change in the law, developers are also required to apply for planning permission to convert or demolish a pub. Objections to the application tend to carry more weight if the building has been declared an ACV.

The Wheel, which is more than 200 years old, was originally a pottery and later became a wheelwright's before being converted into a country pub.

It gained an outstanding reputation for live music and the Plonkers Agricultural Orchestra, one of the best-known groups in the area, were regular visitors.

In 2016 the Wheel took part in the world's biggest pub quiz, with hundreds of teams across the country simultaneously trying to answer the same 60 questions.

Calls for the pub to be made an ACV are due to be considered by New Forest District Council before September 6.

A Terramek spokesman was unavailable for comment.