An historic Wiltshire coaching inn has been registered as an asset of community value after closing at the end of March as villagers fight to get it reopened.

The 16th century Somerset Arms at Semington is now being advertised to let by commercial property agents Fleurets in Bristol.

The Grade II listed pub is owned by the Reuben Brothers’ Wellington Pub Company and is managed by Criterion Asset Management.

Fleurets is now advertising the pub to let free of tie. The pub is close to the West Wiltshire Crematorium at Semington and the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Chris Irving, of Fleurets, said: “It is very early days. The pub has only just gone to market. We have had some expressions of interest.”

The Somerset Arms is open plan with 90 covers. It has three en-suite letting rooms and two flats, plus beer terraces at the front and rear and a car park.

The pub closed on March 25 after landlord John Adams decided to call time on his career in the hospitality industry. He is understood to be still living in Semington.

Before closing, pub manager Louise Gunner said: “Post-Covid we have never really got back on our feet having being faced with many issues.

“I have tried my best to get through the winter months in the hope of trade picking up and getting to the summer.

“Unfortunately, high rent, high utilities combined with rising cost of living has made it unfeasible and my landlord has decided it is time to call time.

“We have had a lot of fun together over the years as a village and I am thankful for the support especially though lockdown.”

More than 40 residents packed a meeting called by Semington Parish Council on March 22 to discuss what to do about the pub closure and explore their options to get it reopened.

Parish council chairman Peter Smith said: “It is very sad. Everyone is very disappointed that it has closed. Amidst it all, there was warmth, sadness and a big thanks to John and all in his team.

“The parish council went on to consider what options it had available to help keep the pub and see it reopened soon.”

He says the parish council has since registered the pub as an asset of community value, which would put the village in the position to make a bid for the pub should the owner ever decide to sell.

“We would get six weeks to decide whether to make a community bid, and a further six months to get into a position to bid. There is no obligation to do this, but better to have the chance than not," Mr Smith said.

“Continued support for having our village pub reopened will matter if we are to have any chance of influencing the owners.”

Mr Smith says the parish council hopes to build a regular contact with the pub's owners, adding: “We want them to know it’s important to us to keep the pub as a pub, and to encourage them to reopen it very quickly.

“One or two people are in touch with the agency but there is no prospect of its re-opening any time soon.

“At present, our best hope is that the Wellington Pub Company are able to let it to another tenant. I don’t think they have any plans to sell it.”

The parish council will also explore options with Semington Village Hall management committee to explore whether there is scope for it to provide a space where village clubs and ex-pub customers can continue to meet.