A meeting is being held by a local councillor in a to save a historic local pub.
Councillor Melanie Darrington of Ashfield District Council is holding a meeting on Thursday March 25 to formulate the next key steps to save the pub.
She, along with many others, is against the proposed plans to convert The Rifle Volunteer into a convenience store.
Cllr Darrington said: "The closure of the pub last year was a sad event.
"Most locals have memories of the once vibrant pub and don’t want to lose the pub permanently.
"Locals did try to purchase the property last year but weren’t successful. They want the opportunity to reopen the pub and restore it to its former glory.
"This part of Skegby has lots of shops, some were once pubs. If this trend continues, we won’t have any pubs left - just shops."
The Rifle Volunteer, on Forest Road, dates back to 1845 and was formerly owned by Star and Bar pubs before it was sold to developers with the aim of turning it into a convenience store.
A planning application has been sent to Ashfield District Council to change the use of the former Second World War Army sign-up spot to a store and hot-food takeaway.
The proposal has caused controversy in the community, as residents band together in hopes of putting a stop to the plans.
The council are yet to approve the proposal, so residents have an opportunity to have their concerns and objections considered.
Those who oppose the plans for the pub must have their objections to the council by March 30.
That bidder was the Coventry-based firm SK (Newhall) Ltd, which operates convenience stores up and down the country.
SK insists in their proposal that the conversion of the building would be attractive, fit in well with the current design and wouldn’t be to the detriment of other businesses in Skegby.
Anyone who wishes to share their concerns and to be a part of the meeting should email Cllr.m.darrington@ashfield.gov.uk for information on how to join the 5.30pm zoom meeting.
