Plans to reopen the last remaining pub in a village near Westbury, which locals fought to save, have been revealed.

More than 60 people in Edington joined forces to buy the former Lamb Inn, in Westbury Road, and run it as a community business after it closed last July.

Although their bid was not successful, the pub was bought by an unknown private bidder who is keeping the building open as a pub and restaurant.

A planning application to reshape the building, which has been in business for four centuries, was submitted this week.

Carl Stockley is acting as agent on the build for the new owners, who have formed a new company called Lamb Ltd. He believes the new plans will make the pub the centre point of the village again.

He said: “The cellar is going to be converted into a restaurant area as is the room above, which is now used as a function room.

“There will be a conservatory built which will also be a restaurant.

“On the east side the kitchen is being extended and a new cellar provided.

“The existing toilets will go and there will be new toilet facilities at bar level and above that will be staff accommodation.

“The bar will remain the same and the existing entrance on the road will be moved to the east side of the pub.

“It’s quite an extension to the building so it will have an impact on the village, but it’s in keeping with the rest of the building.

“I think it will become the centre point of the village again. I know a lot of the villagers can’t wait to see it reopen.”

Mr Stockley also said the pub is likely to hire four full-time and four part-time staff.

Edington Parish Council chairman George Fraser said: “We’re pleased to see the pub is being developed and we look forward to it reopening.”

The planning application will be decided by Wiltshire Council before the end of May.