CAMPAIGNERS battling to save a 250 year old village pub are calling on residents to have their say as they fight to turn it into a community hub.

The Henry Jenkins pub, in Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, is named after a legendary 169 year old North Yorkshire fisherman, butler and beggar who allegedly lived from 1501 to 1670. It has been closed since 2011, and after planning permission to demolish and erect houses on the site was turned down it''s been declared a community asset.

Owner David Fielder, who runs a string of pubs, said there is an appeal pending on the refusal of the planning application. He said the pub has been for sale since he bought it in December 2012 but he has not had a serious offer for it.

Now campaigners, who formed the Henry Jenkins Community Co-op have won funding to put together a bid to buy the pub and run it as a combined bistro, coffee shop and bar. They're carrying out a survey in the village to assess support.

Spokesman, Richard Sadler, said: “The Henry Jenkins is right in the middle of the Main Street and it’s been a vital part of this community for generations. We’ve accomplished our intial objectives of stopping demolition and getting this pub the recognition it deserves, now we’re taking the first steps towards a proposed community buyout.

“We believe a revitalised Henry Jenkins could transform the village bringing people of all ages together, helping the economy and making the place more vibrant.

“Over recent years scores of new houses have been built, while at the same time we have been losing services. This is a great opportunity to put something back, encouraging residents and visitors to spend more time and money in our village."

Mr Fielder said there is another pub in the village 250 yards away and the Mechanics Institute which is used as a community hall is opposite the Henry Jenkins. He said the pub is still for sale, but declined to say what the asking price is. He added :"I am quite happy that they are having a survey, it will decide one way or another if there is interest and if there is, they have the opportunity to buy it, subject to price."