Regulars are being asked to give their views on the fate of a popular country pub.

According to members of fan page of The Moletrap Pub in Tawney Common “permanently” closed on New Year’s Day following the retirement of its landlord David Kirtley.

Stanford Rivers Parish Council is asking for people’s views before councillors decide whether to nominate the pub as an Asset of Community Value.

Under The Localism Act, these listings are available to buildings that have social value, incluning for cultural, recreational and sporting reasons.

At Thursday's parish council meeting, council chairman Cllr John Glover said: "For me it's the only pub round here I like going to.

"I attended Stapleford Tawney Parish Council two days ago and they are completing the community asset paperwork to seek its listing and standing by with that while we wait and see what happens."

He added: "It’s a unique place. No other place can fulfil the role of the Moletrap."

Should the building be listed an Asset of Community Value, the Stanford Rivers community will be alerted should the premises be listed for sale with a five-year period.

A Community Right to Bid will then be granted, giving a six-month period to determine whether the money can be raised to purchase the asset.

Council clerk Adriana Jones said: "There are a lot of our residents who used it."

The public house featured in the BBC drama series 'Bugs' in the late 1990s

A message on the pub's website states: "We have closed our doors permanently. Thank you for all of your custom and support over many years. We wish you well."

The council will seek comments from residents through its magazine.