CONCERNED villagers are hoping to find a buyer who will save their pub from being converted into holiday cottages.

The Crown at Great Glemham, near Framlingham, has been closed since August last year and is currently in the hands of property investment and private equity firm Bridport Capital Limited.

The company wants to convert the property into holiday cottages – but has given the community the chance to buy the pub for �350,000.

However last night director Keith Stout said any bid would have to be “now”.

Bill Philpot, who is one of those campaigning to save the The Crown, said: “We would dearly love to see it kept as a pub. It is very much a viable business. For a very long time it was the most popular pub in the area. I think to see it converted into holiday cottages would be terrible. The pub is the heart of a village – once it has gone it will never come back.”

Nicholas Redman, clerk to Glemham Parish Council, said a meeting held earlier this week to talk about the future of the pub was very well attended. He said the overwhelming feeling was to “vigorously oppose” the intended planning application. He said they also agreed to explore the idea of taking it over as a community enterprise.

“The business has gone through some difficult times but it’s not through any fundamental cause,” he added. “It’s a business that’s capable of being revived.”

Before it was bought by Bridport the pub was marketed by Christie’s – but without success.

Mr Stout said: “I have given the community an opportunity to club together and buy the pub if they would like. However any offer would have to be imminent, as in now. As a pub I think unfortunately it is a complete non-starter. Christie’s – who specialise in this market – tried and failed to find a buyer and I don’t see why now will be any different.”

To help contact Mr Philpot on 01728 663251 or e-mail bill@billphilpot.com.