Campaign to save historic pub

Campaign to save historic pub

The inn dates back to to the 1830s when it was a cider house

A group of villagers in Hereford have launched a campaign to try and save an ancient pub.

Residents in Ruckhall are trying to stop their only pub from being turned into a guest house.

The Ancient Camp Inn dates back to the 1830s when it was a cider house before becoming a pub in the late 19th Century.

Campaigner John Matthews said the pub was an important part of the village.

Petition organised

"It's our only local pub and is a unique place set in a magnificent area for people to sit outside and have some supper," he said.

Mark Haslam, from the Campaign for Real Ale, said at one time it was one of the most popular pubs in the county.

"We still think there is great potential, there's a good business there."

The inn has been a guest house and public bar for the past two years but the owner has applied to the council for a change of use so it can run solely as a guest house.

Business sense

Mr Matthews said a petition had been organised against the move.

Owner David Tomlinson said not many people used the bar.

"There's only one person that comes in every week and maybe half a dozen that come every two or three weeks," he said.

"I'm afraid there isn't enough trade to keep it open, it's just a matter of economic business sense."

But campaigners say they've already lost the village school and they don't want to lose their only pub.