Villagers in Ash are one step closer to keeping the Chequer Inn pub after it has been named an asset of community value (ACV) by the district council.

The status means that members of steering group Save The Chequer Inn have a better chance of repurchasing the pub from a developer who wants to convert it into a single dwelling.

However, the council would need to reject the developers’ plans to change the use into residential at a meeting next week.

Member Matthew Titterton said: “We are all delighted with the news and The Chequer Inn joins hundreds of pubs across the UK which has this level of protection.

“We have a planning meeting next week and we will challenge the developer, and DDC will vote whether or not it will be awarded change of use or not.

“Since the pub has closed, it’s noticeably been missed. We just want a family friendly pub where we can all meet up and have a drink.” - Campaigner Matthew Titterton

“Ash is a fantastic village for the community, everyone wants to get involved in community life. Currently we’ve got no where in the village where we can all meet up.

“Since the pub has closed, it’s noticeably been missed. We just want a family friendly pub where we can all meet up and have a drink.”

This ACV application was put together by the steering group after a well attended meeting in mid December in St Nicholas Church.

The Save The Chequer Inn group believe a new, regenerated community pub or restaurant would benefit the village and has recently gained support from the parish council.

Actor Neil Stuke, who has appeared in Silent Witness, Dr Foster and Silk, has pledged his support to the campaign.

Mr Titterton said: “There is a lot of interest within the village to maintain the pub and a number of people have said they would love to invest if given the opportunity.”

Around 100 residents are expected to attend the planning meeting at Dover District Council’s chambers in Whitfield on Thursday, February 25, at 6pm, where the planning officer’s advice is for the planning committee to vote for the conversion.