RESIDENTS are planning their next move following the closure of the only pub in their village.

More than 100 people attended a public meeting to condemn the decision last week to close The Hett Arms, three miles south of Durham.

The licensees posted a notice in the pub saying it was closed until further notice on March 22.

They said the pub was not paying its way and was not used well enough by local people.

But villagers hit back, saying it did not provide the facilities the village needed.

Keith Banks, of East Street, Hett, chaired the meeting in the village hall on Wednesday.

He said: "If people value the services provided, then they will access them, but if they do not, then they will vote with their feet.

"Five years ago it was well supported and people could not get through the door it was so popular."

Regulars now have to travel to nearby villages Croxdale or Thinford if they want a drink.

Mr Banks suggested the pub could act as a shop, also absent from the village, and sell crisps and sweets to young people.

He said that during summer, the pub was popular with walkers.

Villagers have agreed to write letters opposing any planning applications to change the use of the building from a public house to a residential property.

Another resident, Marilyn Todd Miller, said: "There was an amazing turnout at the meeting, which reflected the strength of feeling in the village about the loss of the pub."

Owner and licensee Angela Johnstone, who did not attend the meeting, has run the pub for more than five years with partner Michael Bradbury.

Ms Johnstone said they had not yet decided whether to sell up or to remain living in the premises.