Parish councillors are hoping to protect the long-term future of a “flourishing” pub at the heart of their Wiltshire village.

Yatton Keynell Parish Council has launched an application to renew The Bell Inn’s status as an asset of community value.

If approved by Wiltshire Council, this would give community groups an opportunity to buy the pub should the current owner decide to sell it.

While there are currently no plans for this to happen, the parish council wants to protect the future of the pub, which is seen as a “vital” part of the village’s health.

Chairman Cllr Alistair Parker said: “The Bell Inn is a flourishing pub in the heart of the village which the parish council wishes to protect to enable it to continue to trade as a vital component of the social and economic fabric of the community. 

“The Bell is hugely valuable to the village which we wish to protect and for it to continue to be recognised as an asset of community value.”

READ MORE: The 40 Wiltshire pubs listed as Assets of Community Value

The Bell Inn Yatton KeynellThe Bell Inn Yatton Keynell (Image: Google Maps)

The Bell Inn has been listed as an asset of community value since 2019 but this listing is due to expire, and councillors are keen to renew it.

Should the owner of an asset of community value wish to dispose of it, there will be a six-week moratorium period during which community interest groups can request to be treated as a potential bidder.

A six-month moratorium will then allow this group to try and raise the funds needed to bid.

Cllr Parker explained the importance of the pub for socialising in the village.

He said: “The Bell Inn has an excellent reputation for food and drink and draws people to the village from the surrounding area.

SEE ALSO: Wiltshire residents launch bid to protect 'unique' pub

“As well as a place to drink and eat, several social groups, including Yatton Keynell Veterans and Yatton Keynell Ladies Who Lunch, meet there regularly.

“These are important social gatherings for the older members of the community for whom there are very limited facilities to meet during the daytime.”

But the venue is also key to the area’s economy.

Cllr Parker added: “The village pub is an important source of employment in a rural settlement that provides many of the younger members of the community with their first, life enhancing, work experience.

“The Barn at the Pub is increasingly used by other clubs and associations for social gatherings and has also hosted a monthly ‘Farmers Market.

“It is even used as the village Polling Station as it is the only suitable building available during the day.”