A battle has begun to save a 400-year-old pub from what locals fear could become a housing development.

Locals of the pub in Stroud district are already organising themselves to save the inn.

Named after the Woodchester watering hole and eatery, The Ram Supporters Group has successfully applied to have the pub listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

The move forced the owners to inform the local authority if they plan to sell and effectively gives the building protected status - for a limited time. But the clock is ticking.

"The ram is for sale and we are a group of villagers who want to revitalise it as a place for all comers to meet, eat and drink," said a statement from the supporters group, which plans a public meeting to consider their plans.

"The Ram is registered as an Asset of Community Value, and we have until March 2020 to make a bid for it. Alternatively we would support a new owner who wants to develop a thriving local.

"The Ram has been very successful in the past and we are confident it can be again."

Members are concerned the building could be sold off by its current owners and redeveloped, although no plans are understood to be in place.

The group has until 18 March 2020 to find a solution, put forward a bid, or find a sympathetic buyer.

During that time the pub can only be sold as a going concern.

A public meeting is planned for Thursday, November 14, at 7.45pm, at Woodchester Village Hall.

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