Pub is facing compulsory purchase

Villagers complained they lost a focal point after the pub closed

A rural pub in Devon which closed more than a year ago could be at the centre of a legal battle to get it re-opened.

The Toby Jug in Bickington, is considered so important to the local community that a compulsory purchase order could be used to bring it back.

Teignbridge District Council is considering the step so it can sell the pub to someone who does want to run it.

The Heavitree Brewery has not been available for comment, but the pub needs about £250,000-worth of repairs.

Freehold interest

After the pub closed, villagers complained that they had lost an important focal point.

Stuart Hands of Bickington Parish Council said: "We've lost our garage, we've lost our post office and the community hall is under threat.

"We get rather concerned when any of the few places where we can all meet goes."

Councillor Jeremy Christophers of Teignbridge District Council said: "We know there's been an enormous amount of freehold interest and there have been offers on the table to the brewery."