A CAMPAIGN to save a popular town hotel gathered pace when about 100 people attended a community meeting on Saturday.

Residents in Needham Market are determined not to lose the Limes Hotel, which is set to cease trading on Monday after the firm of administrators running the site was unable to find a new buyer.

The venue was one of 26 hotels and pubs formerly owned by the Elizabeth Hotels group which went into administration in December 2009.

The meeting was organised by resident and town councillor Phil Wright, who said he was “overwhelmed” by the response just 48 hours after the closure was announced on Thursday.

He said: “This has nothing to do with the town council, I just thought somebody had to do something. I hope that they (the administrators) will listen to the people and give us some more time.

“We need more time - less than a week to do something is just not enough.

“We had between 80 and 100 people there and that was after just 48 hours. I’m quite overwhelmed and there’s a strength of feeling here in the town. I know it’s a viable business and is making money. There’s no reason to make 25 people redundant.”

It is believed that the site could now be put up for auction.

Allan Graham from KPMG, the joint administrators for the Elizabeth Hotels group, said: “Following the successful sale of 13 hotels and 13 public houses which made up the original portfolio of properties in the Elizabeth Hotels group, we are disappointed to have to announce the closure of the remaining hotel.

“We have continued to trade the business since our appointment as administrators in December 2009, but have been unable to reach completion with any interested party for The Limes Hotel, and will be closing the hotel as of March 1.

“The closure will unfortunately result in the redundancy of 25 members of staff, who have been informed of the decision.

“We are in the process of contacting customers to cancel any bookings due to take place after March 1 and all deposits that were taken since our appointment as administrators (December 8 2009) will be refunded.”