VILLAGERS have launched a campaign to save their beloved historic Dorset pub from potential future development into homes by taking it into ownership of the community.

Residents of Piddletrenthide, near Dorchester, are working together to save The Piddle Inn which was purchased during the early stages of the pandemic.

The landlord then shut the pub amid speculated plans to convert the property for residential use - to the dismay of the villagers who now want to bring ownership into the hands of the community and ensure it is retained as a pub.

“The Piddle Inn should be the cornerstone of our village community,” said Lynn Mailer, 55, chair of the Friends of the Piddle Valley - the group fighting to save the venue.

“Pubs are vital to rural areas, they help with feelings of isolation by giving residents a place to meet others, offer employment opportunities locally, without the need to travel, and encourage tourism.

“The Piddle Inn should be open as a public house for locals, and visitors alike to use and enjoy.”

Since the group was formed they have managed to get the pub listed as an asset of community value with plans to now buy the site.

Ms Mailer said the current owner had quoted a value of £595,000 for the pub so the group wants to obtain a business buyers report to secure an independent valuation.

However, the report costs £1,500 which is why villagers have now launched a fundraising page and will also be hosting a 'pop-up pub' later this month to boost coffers for the cause.

Ms Mailer said: “We are planning a range of fundraising events to help pay for the various reports and activities needed along the way. We are looking at accessing grants too. The main fundraiser to purchase the Piddle Inn will be through a share release scheme.”

Having lived in the village all of her life Ms Mailer says the pub has always been there and brings people together, some of whom without the pub have not seen each other for more than 18 months.

With no taxi services nearby or any bus routes, the Piddletrenthide resident says the boozer is ‘vital’ for the community and 'must be saved'.

The pop-up pub will take place on November 27 in the village’s Memorial Hall, where in addition to raising money committee members will be on hand to answer questions about the plans.

Ms Mailer added: “Saving the Piddle Inn could take a number of years and fundraising events to reach our goal.”

To find out more information or the fudnraising page visit crowdfunder.co.uk/save-the-piddle-inn