THE Pear Tree Inn, Whitley, is set to re-open in May - seven months after chef Marco Pierre White closed it.

It comes days after Melksham Without Parish Council said they were going to apply for the pub to become a community asset following fears over its future.

Owners Punch Taverns said: “We can confirm that we are at an advanced stage of negotiations with interested parties regarding letting the Pear Tree in conjunction with undertaking a significant refurbishment.

"We hope to be able to re-open to the general public in May.”

Melksham Without councillor Terry Chivers said: “I am pleased to say that out of the blue I received a call from Punch confirming that in fact they are intending to reopen the pub this May after a complete refurbishment.

"They confirmed that the pub will serve good pub food with locals very welcome. I think we can call that a result.”