A community group is trying to gauge the level of interest in saving a Suffolk village pub as it looks to buy the premises for approximately £250,000.

Villagers in Debenham have formed the Save the Angel group and are asking residents to complete a simple questionnaire on the village website to determine the level of support for returning the pub, which has been closed for nearly four years, to community use.

Since its closure, plans have been submitted to change The Angel Inn pub to a commercial unit with more residential room, but these were rejected following an appeal.

The grade-II listed pub has also been previously marketed for sale and it has been listed as an asset of community value, which enables the community to buy the premises.

East Anglian Daily Times: Alan Cushion, chair of the Save the Angel group, outside The Angel InnAlan Cushion, chair of the Save the Angel group, outside The Angel Inn (Image: Peter Warren)

So far, a takeover has yet to come to fruition, although Peter Warren, from the Save the Angel group, said the aim was now to try and get a 'wellspring of support' behind retaining the pub.

Journalist Mr Warren was confident there would be sufficient trade for the pub, especially with the growing trend of working from home since the pandemic and he expected to see a surge in demand for local services, with the pub being central.

"We are going to see villages start to rejuvenate because there will be a demand for local services and if I want a loaf of bread, then I am not going to go to the supermarket, I am going to go to the local shop and the local pub also becomes important.

"Debenham is going to pick up because it is a nice attractive place and The Angel has got quite a lot of character and as a building, it has a nice atmosphere," Mr Warren said.

To complete the questionnaire, visit www.debenham-village.co.uk