A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save Barnoldswick’s last ‘proper local’ pub after a deal was agreed to sell it.

Pub giant Enterprise Inns confirmed it had sold the Greyhound Inn, in Manchester Road.

But regulars, who described the boozer as the ‘hub’ of the community, vowed to fight to ensure it is not turned into houses or flats.

A 300-signature petition has been handed to Pendle Council for planning offic-ers to consider if and when an application is submitted.

And more than 300 people have joined the ‘Save Our Greyhound Inn’ page on Facebook.

Donna Ryan, of North Street, has written on behalf of campaigners to ADM Design, the firm thought to have bought the pub.

The group has pleaded for the ground floor to remain as a pub, even if flats are created on the first floor.

Mrs Ryan said: “For us, the Greyhound Inn is the ‘hub’ of our community.

“It is where we meet to end our working week, to challenge each other in the Sunday night quiz, to chatter midweek, to catch up with friends, to socialise with walkers and the local football and rugby teams, and to ensure that our community continues to be such.”

Licensees Don and Angela Hinchcliffe called last orders for the final time on Thursday night and have now left the pub for good.

Don, 56, said he would be happy to run the pub again if the new owners decided to grant the regulars’ wish.

Coun David Whipp, who described the Greyhound Inn as the last ‘proper local’ in the town, has asked for the issue to be added to the agenda for the next meeting of Pendle Council’s West Craven Committee, on October 5.

Barnoldswick Town Council chairman David Stead is also supporting the regulars’ campaign.

He said: “It’ll be very sad if the Greyhound closes its doors for the last time.

“The pub is our last remaining local – part of the glue that holds our town together.”

An Enterprise Inns spokesman said: “As part of the ongoing development of our pub estate, we do from time to time identify pubs that we feel no longer have a long-term future in our estate, with a view to disposing of them.

“After careful consideration, the decision has been taken to sell the Greyhound.”