A PUB owner has been ordered to carry out urgent works to his tavern as it has fallen into a “state of disrepair”.

Graham Horder shut the Five Bells in Nether Wallop in 2013 and since then the pub has been left vacant and a group of villagers have been bidding to buy the inn.

But now Test Valley Borough Council has issued an Urgent Works Notice to force Mr Horder to conduct emergency repairs to the property.

Mr Horder has been given until May 29 to ensure the Grade II listed building is weatherproof, safe from collapse and not at risk of vandalism or theft.

Planning portfolio holder Councillor Nick Adams-King said: “The pub is a great asset within the village and locals are keen to see it re-open. Unfortunately, the pub has fallen into a state of disrepair since closing.

“It is imperative that we work with the owner and local villagers to protect it”.

If the works are not carried out by the owner before the deadline then the council will step in and undertake the repairs. The authority will then take steps to recover the costs incurred.

The move has been welcomed by the Five Bells Community Pub Ltd which wants to refurbish the tavern and run it for the future benefit of the community.

A spokesman for the group said: “The pub is falling down and the windows are falling out so it is good news that the notice has been served. “

Mr Horder was approached for a comment by the Advertiser.