Regulars at a historic village pub near Welshpool are mounting a campaign to save it from permanent closure.

An application to convert the Powis Arms at Pool Quay into two houses has been submitted to Powys County Council by the owners, the Powis Estate, in Welshpool.

The property was placed on the market and neighbours believed it would be sold as a pub.

But they were shocked to learn that this was not the case. Debbie Brown, a regular, said: “We want to keep the pub open.

“It’s the only community facility left in Pool Quay. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, but we’re not letting it go without a fight.”

She said people who had been regular customers of the pub were getting together a petition and would be presenting it to the council’s planning department.

Philip Humphreys, agent for the Powis Estate, said there was a chance the Powis Arms could remain a pub, with the right buyer.

“It has been marketed as a pub,” he said. “However, the trouble is it is so run down and gets so little support, the estate wanted the option of converting it into dwellings.”

Problems started for the pub, a popular stopping off point for visitors walking along the nearby Montgomery Canal and Offa’s Dyke long distance path, when Alan Whalley, the long-term licensee, died suddenly in August.

No-one suitable has since come forward to take it over.

Geraint Roberts, Montgomeryshire planning officer, said the application was out for public consultation until February 9.

Under the council’s planning protocol, the application was likely to be determi- ned by officers unless it was deemed an issue that should go to committee.

But Powys County Council was against closing village facilities, he said, adding: “There would have to be strong evidence before there would be a change in that policy.”

Glyn Davies, Tory AM for Mid and West Wales, is also against the closure.

“I think the threat to our local services is increasing and I share people’s concern about the continuing losses,” he said.

“I think it’s a rural issue policy makers, whether at the Welsh Assembly or Powys County Council, should be addressing.”

By Deborah Knox