VILLAGERS have launched a campaign to stop an historic pub being lost forever.

The Red Lion in Blacksnape closes tomorrow after being sold off by brewery Marston’s to an independent business owner.

Concerns have been raised among locals that the pub could be turned into homes, sparking the campaign by the Blacksnape Community Group.

Under last year’s Localism Act, pubs can be registered as an ‘asset of community value’ by the local authority if it is nominated by 21 or more people, giving the council greater ability to refuse planning applications.

Martyn Skipper, chairman of the Blacksnape Community Group, has submitted a nomination to Blackburn with Darwen Council, complete with 21 signatures from the village.

He said: “We have asked the buyer’s solicitors to contact us but have so far heard nothing.

“We are concerned the new owners plan to change the use of the building to residential.

“We have alerted the council planning department and will vehemently and vociferously oppose any such plans.”

Mr Skipper said if the campaign was successful, the residents would look at taking over the building themselves and running it as a community pub.

Mike Kershaw, of East Lancashire Camra, said he hoped the pub could be saved.

He said: “As this is the only pub in Blacksnape and, indeed, the only community facility there, we consider the pub to be a vital community asset.

“The village will be considerably poorer if the pub is converted to residential use.

“The campaign has our full support as we believe that someone with drive and enthusiasm could turn this pub into a thriving business to the benefit of everyone in Blacksnape and beyond.”

East Rural councillor Julie Slater said: “That is the only thing they have in Blacksnape to be used as a community centre. It would be sad to see it go.

“I will back my residents all the way in their bid to save the Red Lion.”