AT least a dozen Wiltshire pubs have been put up for sale in the past year.

Landlords cite either retirement, illness or dropping trade and lack of investment as their reasons.

Now there are fears that the increasingly rare species that is the village pub is edging closer to extinction as many of those up for sale have a 'plan B' – they have got planning permission to change the use to residential use.

But some, including The Bell at West Overton, which went on the market in February, are determined to keep the pub alive and sell to someone to carry on where they leave off.

“We understand that The Bell has become very popular with the villagers and that the pub is vital to many people within our community,” said owner Hannah McNaughton, who said one of the co-owners was taken ill last year, prompting their decision to move on after 10 years.

“Since opening, many of our team were villagers themselves, working for us throughout their time at university. It’s good to know that we have been able to give some of the younger generation a helping hand, especially when rural jobs are often hard to come by.

“The coronavirus pandemic has no doubt pressed the pause button on those looking to purchase pubs but The Bell is a local success story and our intention is that it will stay that way.”

The Marlborough area has seen four pubs including The Bell come on the market.

The others are The Inn on The Well in Ogbourne St George, The Horseshoe in Mildenhall, and The Harrow in Little Bedwyn.

Commercial hospitality estate agents say calls about pubs in Wiltshire are now starting to pick up as lockdown eases.

According to estate agents Christie Co, The Inn on the Well has residential planning permission as a back-up plan if it doesn’t sell as a pub, saying it has turned into more of a B&B with a bar over the years.

It was listed pre-lockdown as the landlord wants to retire after 30 years in the business.

“We have had interest from a developer,” said Nick Callfe, Christie Co’s south west director.

After 21 years at the helm of The Harrow in Little Bedwyn, the owners have decided to hang up their aprons for the last time.

The doors closed at the multi-award winning restaurant for the last time on March 28.

“We are reaching 60, the kids have left home, and it is just time,” said Roger Jones.

He has placed the 34-cover Harrow up for sale as a freehold, free of tie.

The Foxham Inn near Chippenham has been put up for sale after years of single ownership.

Neil and Sarah Cooper are looking to move on.

“We have mixed emotions to be leaving,” said Neil.

“On one hand, we are looking forward to the next challenge, on the other hand it has been a real pleasure to work this fantastic pub with fantastic customers.”

The pub has been put on market with a guide price of £495,000 and estate agent Nick says it is the sort of place that is ideal for people relocating from London.

The Tantra nightclub in Chippenham is on also his books. “We’ve had varied interest on this one, from developers to an independent cafe chain from Bath and a live music company.”

Other pubs up for sale around the area are The Pig & Whistle, Melksham, The Three Horseshoes, which has been closed for sometime, in Burbage, The Vale of the White Horse in Minety, the Highworth Bar in Highworth and the lease is for sale on The Carpenter’s Arms in Sherston.