PEOPLE power has saved a village pub.

The Old Bush at Callow End closed last autumn, prompting villagers to band together to save it from being converted into a house.

District councillor Tom Wells has successfully applied to have the pub declared a community asset.

The pub's new status as a community asset, which gives the pub charity status and protects it from planning applications for five years.

Now the pub's owners, Jon and Guy Davies, of Worcester, who bought it from Marstons last year, have agreed to lease it out as a pub for the next three years at an advantageous rent.

And a previous landlord of the pub has agreed to return and run the business, says Cllr Wells.

He said: "The Old Bush has been part of village life for more than 150 years, and is an example of the quintessential English pub.

"Mr Davies has very generously allowed us a very good deal for the community, leasing the pub at a below-market rent for the next three years.

"And we've been fortunate enough to get Matt Williams, who ran the pub some time ago, to return with his wife Karen to run the Old Bush. They've been running a pub in Hampshire, and we're delighted to welcome Matt back, and to welcome Karen to the village."

Builders are currently in the premises and it is hoped that the pub will reopen for business in the next few weeks.

Cllr Wells said that what has happened in Callow End makes a welcome change from news of pubs and other community facilities being lost.

He said: "This has been a victory for the community and I hope that it will encourage other communities who see their facilities being threatened. It's a wonderful start to the year for the village of Callow End."

When news of the possible loss of the pub became know in October, around 130 people turned out to a public meeting to protest against the closure.

Jon Davies told the Gazette following the meeting that they were keeping their options open, and had obtained a transfer of the justices' licence, to allow the premises to reopen as a pub.