A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save one of the few pubs still trading in Nelson after it was put up for sale by its owners.

Punch Taverns, which owns the Trafalgar Hotel, in Railway Street, confirmed it was in “advanced discus-sions” with a purchaser.

Regulars, who fear the site will be transformed into flats or a taxi rank by the new owners, are now petitioning to keep it as a pub.

And three of the pub’s most loyal customers have even pledged to form a consortium to buy their favourite watering hole.

This year last orders have been called for the last time at two other Nelson pubs, The Hour Glass, in Leeds Road and The Clayton Arms, in Manchester Road.

A spokesman for Punch Taverns said the Trafalgar Hotel was being sold follow-ing a review of its sites.

But according to regulars, the pub is one of the few bucking the national and local trend by still thriving.

Stephen Burke, of Vaughan Street, said: “Everyone who drinks in the Trafalgar is wondering where they will drink if it closes.

“There are a lot of elderly people who live nearby and it is easy for them to walk there when they fancy a drink.

“The pub has two pool teams, two ladies’ darts teams and two men’s darts teams – it’s absolutely vital for the community.”

Mr Burke has set up an online group on website Facebook to garner support for the campaign.

A total of 191 members have joined up so far with some posting comments recalling memoires of nights out in the Cloverhill venue.

Mr Burke said he had contacted Punch Taverns to enquire about the asking price with a view to the consortium making an offer.

But the independent record company owner is still waiting to hear from the firm.

He is urging the pub giant to prioritise selling the site to a buyer with plans to keep it as a community pub.

To sign up to the Facebook group go to www.facebook. com/home.php?#/group. php?gid=98552607595.