A VILLAGE pub threatened with closure is to remain open after pleas from regulars and residents.

The Anvil Inn, at Sawdon, near Scarborough, was in line to be converted into a house by its owner, Kevin Smith.

Scarborough Borough Council's planning committee wanted evidence that the business was not viable before making a decision, but the plan has now been withdrawn.

Seventy people signed a petition urging that the Anvil should be kept as a key part of the village's social life.

The pub also won support from the parish council, the North York Moors National Park, and the Council for the Protection of Rural England.

The pub was opened 12 years ago and extended in 1996.

Mr Smith and his family have declined to comment on the reason for withdrawing the application, but regular Tony Marley said: "We are delighted with the news."

Gordon Somerville, the council's chief planning officer, said: "The view of the villagers is that the Anvil is a useful place where people can meet for many purposes including, in the absence of a church and chapel, for a harvest festival and other religious occasions as well as children's parties, wedding recep- tions, anniversary parties and funeral teas."

Residents also argued that Sawdon had no bus service or shop and the nearest pub was two miles away on an unlit country lane. There were also concerns that closing the pub could lead to drink-driving as well as the loss of seven part-time jobs.

It was revealed at a recent planning committee that there had been an offer by a consortium in the village to buy the pub for £260,000.