A VILLAGE pub could soon be opening its doors after nine months of closure.

The Royal Oak in Milborne St Andrew, near Dorchester was at the centre of a fierce row this week when brewery bosses pulled out of a sale to new owners.

Villagers were outraged when Hall & Woodhouse pulled out of a deal to Dorchester couple Sarah and Andy Fox.

They said the Fox family had shown ‘commitment’ to community life and urged the brewery to get the local pub reopened.

But now talks are under way for Mr and Mrs Fox to lease the pub instead.

If the new proposal goes through Hall & Woodhouse would retain the freehold of the premises and the Fox family would pay rent but keep any profit.

Parish council representatives also held a meeting with brewery bosses to express local concern.

The Royal Oak, which includes two bars, a restaurant, and a skittle alley, has been closed since last October.

Matt Kearsey, tenanted director for Hall & Woodhouse, said: "We are pleased to announce that following a meeting between Andrew and Sarah Fox and ourselves we have been able to clear up misunderstandings and are working together to agree terms on a lease for the Royal Oak to the Fox’s.

“We hope and expect that this will lead to the swift re-opening of the pub on the back of a significant joint investment.

“Following the meeting with the Foxes we met with members of the local Parish Council, this was also a productive meeting enabling us to address the concerns of local villagers.”

Andy and Sarah Fox said: "We had a meeting with Hall & Woodhouse on Wednesday night.

“They have offered us the lease of the pub; we are very interested in this proposal and are meeting with them again early next week to finalise the details.

“That is all we can really say at this stage.

“Both Hall & Woodhouse and ourselves are hopeful that we can agree lease terms and get the pub open as soon as possible.”