Residents in Ben Rhydding are hoping to launch a campaign to save the Wheatley Hotel.

The pub closed its doors more than six months ago after landlord David Woolley, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, blamed poor trade on the knock-on effects of the foot and mouth epidemic.

Since then the owner, Punch Taverns, has repeatedly claimed that it was interviewing to find a suitable manager and would be 'opening again soon'.

But as autumn turned to winter the Wheatley Lane property remained closed, much to the frustration of locals who were deprived of their area's only pub.

Punch Taverns this week admitted the Wheatley's future was uncertain but said it was 'open to suggestions' about a way forward.

A spokesman said: "The pub has been closed for several months and in that time we have actively been seeking to recruit a new licensee. We are open-minded to all suggestions concerning the future of the pub which would be beneficial to the community.

"No deal of any sort has been secured at this stage."

However, Chestnut Close resident Ian Anderson, who lives 300 yards away, says he fears the worst.

He said: "I have been taking quite a close interest in what has been happening to the Wheatley Hotel since it closed and the last time I called I was told it would be opening in the New Year.

"But when I spoke to them on Tuesday they told me they were going to sell it and that it was 'very unlikely' that it would be a pub any more.

"If that's true it would be a terrible loss of amenity for the local community because it's the only pub here.

"I know a lot of people are unhappy about this and I am going to speak to people in the local area to see if we can start a petition up to save the pub."