CAMPAIGNERS hoping to save their village’s only pub have won the backing of politicians.

The Dog Inn in Belthorn, which dates back three centuries, faces an uncertain future after closing in November.

Now two MPs, councillors and businesses are backing the bid to keep the Belthorn Road venue open.

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Kathryn Sharpe, from Save The Dog Community Action Group, said applications to register the venue as an Asset of Community Value had been submitted to both Hyndburn Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council.

She said: “We have held another meeting, which was very positive. We are continuing our fight and have now formed a steering group. We have submitted an application for The Dog Inn to be registered as a community asset to both councils.”

“We are waiting for a response. As the pub lies in both boroughs, we made applications to both.”

Labour’s Hyndburn and Haslingden MP, Graham Jones, and his Conservative counterpart, Jake Berry, who represents Rossendale and Darwen, have both thrown their support behind the villagers’ long-term plans to take over the pub.

Almost 230 people have signed a petition calling for the pub – thought to have been built in 1720, pre-dating the village – to be saved.

Ms Sharpe said Hyndburn councillors Peter Britcliffe and Judith Addison, and ex-Darwen councillor, Dave Hollins, had also supported the cause.

She said: “It’s been the venue for Christmas, Hallowe’en and bonfire parties, May Day processions and a place for villagers to meet to socialise. Many elderly residents will become socially isolated without The Dog Inn.

“Having it listed as a community asset will increase our chances of stopping any buyer changing its use.”

Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Rossendale and Darwen, Will Straw, added: “It’s very important that we recognise pubs for what they are – places for local people to meet, socialise and enjoy each other’s company. We’ve lost too many pubs.”

The pub, owned by Enterprise Inns, will go up for auction in Manchester tomorrow, valued at £150,000.

It closed three months ago after the previous landlord, Nick Parker, left to take over The Ranken Arms, in Hoddlesden.