Villagers have launched a bid to protect the future of their local pub after several challenging years.

The Oddfellows, just a mile outside of Marlborough in the village of Manton, is Wadworth’s second oldest tenanted pub and has long been a vital “community hub” for residents.

But in recent years the pressures facing the pub industry and several changes of management have left locals fearing for its long-term future.

While there are no indications Wadworth have any plans to sell the pub, the Manton Residents Association has nominated the venue to be listed as an asset of community value to protect its future if that were to change.

If approved, the measure would prevent the pub from being sold before the end of a six-month moratorium period if a community interest group registers itself as a potential bidder.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Peter Morgan, a committee member of the residents association, says it is vital that locals work with Wadworth and the council to keep The Oddfellows open.

He said: “The Oddfellows is one of the beating hearts of the village, but we’ve noticed that over the past couple of years, because of the pandemic and cost of living, it has been struggling a bit with the number of people going in.

“So many pubs have had that problem so we’re very keen to help it flourish again and this is the first step to put a marker down to say the village wants to be involved in what happens to the building in the future.

“We want to help Wadworth put it back on its feet so the asset never has to be used.”

Mr Morgan added that Wadworth have signalled their support for the plan.

The historic brewery is currently looking for permanent tenants at the venue, with temporary landlords currently keeping the business open.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

But residents fear an unregulated future sale could lead to the loss of the pub.

Mr Morgan added: “It would be really attractive to a housing developer, and that would be a real tragedy for the village because what we don’t want is Manton to become a deserted dormitory.”

The nomination has now been submitted to Wiltshire Council, who will make the final decision on whether to approve the application.

Buildings can be listed as assets of community value if the current or past use of the building furthers the social well-being or interests of the local community, provided it is realistic that this could continue within the next five years.

Wadworth has been contacted for comment.