VILLAGERS on Exmoor are being urged to answer a survey as part of a campaign to save a rural public house from being converted to holiday accommodation.

A ‘Save The George’ group was formed in Brompton Regis after owners Trudi and Mark Underhill closed the George Inn in July and applied for planning permission to convert it to holiday use.

Their planning application was turned down last week by Exmoor National Park Authority and now the campaign group wants to look at turning the pub into a community-run venture.

More than 120 replies have so far been received to a survey of residents and the wider Exmoor community asking for views on what The George might provide as a community pub and what would receive people’s support.

The survey, which closes on Friday (September 27) can be found online here.

Campaign member Kirstie Hamilton said: “Community-owned pubs are being created in communities all over the UK.

“There are 174 already operating and many more under consideration.

“Most have been set up with the support of the charity Plunkett Foundation and we are looking at following in their footsteps.

“For most villages a pub is a vital service, it is a meeting place, communication centre, and an important lynchpin of village life.

“Much of the appeal of our village rests on its sense of community.

“It is the reason many people have moved here and remain here.

“The continued presence of a pub would, we feel, greatly enhance that community spirit.

“We need to know your views on what The George might provide as a community pub, and what would receive your support.

“Please be as honest and realistic as possible in your answers and write on behalf of all the members of your household.”

Ms Hamilton said responses to the questionnaire would be treated in confidence and all comments would be anonymous.

Completed written forms can be handed in to Brompton Regis Village Shop or posted in the village hall post box.

The results of the survey will be published and presented to a public meeting where the proposal could be further discussed.