A HULLAVINGTON pub which is almost 200 hundred years old could close unless residents come together and help save it.

The Star Inn opened in 1819 but could be forced to close in September. Falling trade is the reason given by both the previous tenants and the current landlords, who have said they will quit when their lease runs out in September, for leaving the business.

Residents have now joined forces to try and ensure the future of the pub by holding events to raise its profile and get people through the door.

Villager Gemma Lovering, who founded the 12-member Friends Of The Star group, said: “It would be devastating if Hullavington lost its only pub. We all felt we just couldn’t sit around and let this happen.

“We are determined to fight and try to save our Star so that villagers and visitors to the village can continue to enjoy what is a lovely, down-to-earth, family-friendly village pub experience.”

A family night was held last Friday and a ladies’ lunch is on Thursday, as well as other events over the coming months. This includes a summer beer festival, live music, quiz nights, boules and wine tasting nights.

Star Inn owner Richard Tanner said: “I am working with leading agents in the market to make sure the terms of the lease are viable for potential new tenants.

“There is no doubt that the pub could be hugely successful if we can get the village behind it.

“Ideas include extending the pub’s trading hours, increasing the food offering and holding more events to drive additional footfall.”

The pub, which includes a coffee shop created by Mr Tanner in the five years since he bought it, has a good-sized bar area, seating for diners and a large garden for summer eating and drinking.

Villager Cliff White said: “People take it for granted. They might pop down once a month but that’s not enough to keep it going. If it closes it will be very sad for me personally because living here is the realisation of wanting to live somewhere within walking distance of a pub.”