THEY have been at the heart of their local community for generations – but they are closing at the rate of almost 30 a week.

Now hundreds of pubs across the country, including more than 20 in Hampshire, have been given greater protection in a move aimed at saving the great British local.

Popular watering holes have been declared an Asset of Community Value (ACV), which prevents them from being demolished or converted without planning permission.

New figures from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) show the number of ACVs across the UK has doubled in the past six months.

It comes just weeks after campaigners won their battle to save one of the pubs on the list – the Bittern in Thornhill Park Road, Southampton.

As reported in the Daily Echo, plans to turn it into a McDonald’s were thrown out in September following a public inquiry into the controversial application.

John Denham, who was Labour MP for Southampton Itchen when the inquiry took place, argued that the Bittern was an “irreplaceable” community asset and should be allowed to remain.

Other ACVs include the White Horse in Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea, which closed earlier this year but has now reopened.

The huge rise in the number of pubs being awarded extra protection follows a joint initiative by CAMRA and the government.

Campaigners are striving to ensure that a further 1,800 watering holes are listed as ACVs by local authorities by the end of next year to help stem the number of pub closures, currently running at 29 a week.

Tim Page, CAMRA’s chief executive, says: “It’s fantastic to see community groups coming together to protect 1,200 pubs across the country from redevelopment or demolition.

“This figure is a testament to the effectiveness of putting power back into the hands of local communities and giving them a chance to have a say in shaping their town centres.

“We hope to more than double that figure by this time next year. With 29 pubs across the country closing every week we want to secure greater support for ACV-listed pubs to ensure they continue to be at the heart of our communities.

“And with the New Year just around the corner this is the perfect opportunity to share your support for your local by nominating it as an ACV.”

Pubs minister Marcus Jones added: “Our pubs remain at the heart of local life and CAMRA members have done their communities proud.”

ACVs in Hampshire include:

Bitterne Park Hotel, Southampton.

The Crown Inn, Stockbridge.

John O’Gaunt Inn, Kings Somborne

Kings Somborne Working Men’s Club

Abbots Mitre, Chilbolton.

Anchor Inn, Totton.

Fleur de Lys, Pilley.

King Rufus, Totton.

Borough Arms, Lymington.

White Horse, Milford on Sea.

The Musketeer, Pennington.

Jolly Sailor, Fawley.

Red Lion, Milford on Sea.

The Bittern, Southampton.

White Hart, Denmead.

Mead End Inn, Denmead.

Running Horse, Winchester

Ship Inn, Owslebury

White Lion, Soberton

Fox and Hounds, Denmead.

Bucks Head, Meonstoke.