A community is a step closer to saving a much-loved pub after it was forced to close its doors earlier this year.

Punters at the Lads of the Village in Elizabeth Street, Stone were devastated when the landlord of the historic watering hole was made to call last orders on January 1.

As a result they decided to unite to form a bid to make the 230-year-old pub described as “the heart of the village” an asset of community value (ACV).

After a nine-month wait, they finally received the news they were hoping for.

Stone councillor and Lads of the Village regular, Paul Cutler was delighted..

“I cannot tell you how pleased I am,” he said.

“It was very exciting news to receive confirmation that the Lads of the Village pub has been granted asset of community value protection by Dartford Council.

“This will protect the building from change of use or demolition for up to five years.”

Although this does not guarantee the pub can reopen, it gives the community six months to respond if the owners opt to sell.

Cllr Cutler said the closure of the boozer earlier this year was a sad moment for the community.

He added: “Since the pub shut it has become a very sad eyesore with its boarded windows and doors.

“Unfortunately, it has also attracted drug dealing outside as it is a dark and unused space by the station.

“The saddest part of its closing has been the fragmentation of the punters who have now had to use other venues when possible and using cabs and public transport to get there.

“Some have tried to gather once a week and use a WhatsApp group to keep the community spirit going but it is not the same anymore.”

Last July, villagers chose to make a bid to save the pub after landlord Sean Holland, 80, was served with an eviction notice.

Sean and his wife Julie, who celebrated 45 years at the pub’s helm the same month, were given until January before they had to leave, after reportedly being told by the private company that manages it they intended to repurpose it – by either demolishing or renovating it.

The historic boozer was described by regulars at the time as “the heart of the village” and a “community icon”.

As an ACV, the community can now decide if they want to form a bid to buy the pub if the freeholder chooses to put it on the market.

Listing the building as a local heritage asset or ACV does not prevent redevelopment or demolition but adds to the considerations in assessing any planning application.