Campaigners are battling to save a pub by their village green.

The Anchor in Stanford-in-the-Vale could be converted into a home after it was sold by pub company Greene King.

But Neil Crook, chairman for the White Horse Campaign for Real Ale, said the pub could do decent trade under the right ownership.

He said if it became a house it was unlikely to ever be converted back into a pub.

He said: “There is always a place for a public house in a village, particularly somewhere close to the green.

“It is the centre of life, it is a focal point for people to meet, enjoy evenings together, and make friends. It gives a greater community spirit for everybody.

“With more houses coming, there is more potential for the business in the right hands.”

About 2,000 people live in Stanford-in-the-Vale and its only other pub, the Horse and Jockey, is on the edge of the village.

Vale of White Horse District Council aims to make a decision on the change of use application for The Anchor by Ben Preston of Letcombe Regis by April 3.

Gail Vallis, of Joyces Road, objecting to the move online, said: “We need this building as a pub – this pub has been the heart of the village for years despite many changes of hands and some poor management. As the village is growing it makes no sense to lose this building as a pub.”

Jay Myrdal, of High Street, said: “This pub, in the centre of the village is an important community asset and must remain so.”

Rene Robertson, of Chapel Road, supported the bid. She said: “Stanford has had many pubs in the past that changed use from private dwelling to pub and back again.”

Peter Gill, chairman of Stanford-in-the-Vale Parish Council, said the pub had closed at the end of last year after up to four different owners had run it in the past five years.

He said the pub could work under different management.

Greene King did not want to comment.