People in Reed have formed an action group to stop plans to turn their village pub into a house.

Although The Cabinet has been closed for a number of years, it had been declared an Asset of Community Value and villagers were confident a buyer would come forward to restore and reopen the building as a pub once again.

This has not been the case and the action group has written to every household in the village asking them to object by the consultation period deadline of Thursday, October 6, stating that if planning permission is granted, Reed’s only pub will be lost forever.

Mike Howes is a member of the villagers’ action group.

“The pub is essential to Reed,” he said.

“It’s a centre of the community, a place for people to meet and socialise, and something that gives the village its heart.

“The absence of the pub in Reed has been keenly felt, there are no other pubs within reasonable walking distance so we really need this in this village.

“The Cabinet used to be a thriving, attractive pub – a little gem which attracted visitors from miles around.

“In the right hands there is no reason why it should not be again.

“It’s an iconic building – its image even appears on the village sign. It would be a tragedy if it were lost forever.”

Campaigner Edwin Kilby said: “We need as many people as possible who want to save The Cabinet to make their voices heard.”

The Crow spoke to owner Richard Newman, who said: “Just over a year ago, I saw the property at auction and it looked very pretty and was in a nice area.

“I got it for the bottom price, as there were no other bids.

“People are angry, and lots of people said they would buy it or know someone who would but I’ve had nobody come to me.

“I orginally purchased it to do it up and sell it either as a pub or a residential property.

“I can’t afford to open it as a pub myself and I don’t have a family or any help to run it, and nobody in the village has come forward to make an offer.

“The residents are very lucky people not to be in my position – I’m stressed – I’ve got a Grade II- listed building that I have to do something with.

“If people want to turn it back into a pub in the future that’s up to them.”

Reed Parish Council will hold a meeting on Monday, September 26, at 8pm in Reed School at which The Cabinet will be discussed, and will give the public an opportunity to have their say.