Campaigners in Reed are launching a new fundraising effort in preparation for the next phase of their fight to prevent their Grade-II village pub being turned permanently into a house.

North Herts District Council rejected an application to convert The Cabinet into housing last month, but the Save The Cabinet Action Group warned that the battle was far from over.

Group chairman Mike Howes said: “We think an appeal is inevitable – indeed, we hear on the grapevine that official notification of such an appeal may be imminent.

“We are confident we can persuade the planning inspector to refuse any such appeal and uphold the council’s decision – but we need to raise money quickly make our case in the most effective way possible.

“If the appeal is decided in our favour, we will expect North Herts District Council to show a firm hand in enforcing the law, and to require the developer to restore our pub.”

The Crow has contacted the owner for comment and is awaiting a response.

The Save The Cabinet campaigners will hold another fundraising ‘pop-up pub’ night at Reed Village Hall on tomorrow.

Doors open at 6.30pm and admission is free.

For more see www.facebook.com/Save-the-Cabinet-at-Reed-1588618694776118.