AN OVERWHELMING majority of Whitchurch residents believe a pub under threat of closure is worth saving.

That is the result of a survey done by a campaign group to save The Red House, in London Street, called The Red House Community Pub Group, which found that 94 per cent of people asked wanted the inn to be saved, and 91 per cent think the community should raise funds to buy the pub.

The group, which has adopted the slogan ‘Red House not Dead House’, formed since the pub owners put the property up for sale and has temporarily closed it for refurbishment to try to find a buyer.

The aim of the 19 people now on its steering group, with backing of more than 1,000 supporters on social media, is to see if there is a desire in the town for the community to buy and run the pub, keeping it alive.

A further 79 per cent of respondents to the survey launched last month said they would consider buying shares in The Red House.

Mark Bishop, spokesperson for the Red House Community Pub Group, said: “The Red House has been part of Whitchurch life for centuries and it would be a terrible blow to see it disappear.

“We only have five other pubs left in the town, having seen the Railway Inn and Harvest Home demolished in recent years.

“We want to ensure that it remains a part of the beating heart of our town.

“The message from Whitchurch people is clear – Don’t Shred The Red.”

The Grade II-listed building was put up for sale in October for £475,000, before it closed on October 29 for refurbishment.

The community group and its supporters fear that if a buyer cannot be found for the pub, it will be sold to be developed into housing.

According to the survey’s results, only five per cent of residents who gave views were happy to see that happen.

The campaign group says it is keeping active with its movements, and will soon be visited by a community business support organisation.

For more information about the campaign, go to rednotdeadhouse.co.uk or search ‘Red not Dead House’ on Facebook.