'We want to be famous for our pub, not our prison'

Villagers have called for their 300-year-old pub to be saved from potential development.

The George and Dragon in Erlestoke, a village known for its large Category C men's prison, could be transformed into living accommodation if Wiltshire Council approves a planning application.

Parish councillor Fiona Morgan-Frise is among those who are objecting the plans, and said: "We'd like people to forget the prison and for Erlestoke to be famous for its thriving pub."

Meanwhile the George and Dragon's owner, Paul Gardner, said a lack of demand led to his decision to close the historic pub.

Caroline West and Fiona Morgan-Frise say the pub should not be lost

The George and Dragon, which dates back to the 17th century, closed in 2023 and a planning application was submitted this year to turn it into living accommodation.

Parish councillor Caroline West said it would be "unthinkable" to lose the rural watering hole: "Are we going to wave goodbye to 300 years of this pub?"

"For a village which lost its school, its shop and then its post office, the George and Dragon is one of the few assets we have left," she explained.

"It's important to us that it stays, not only for its historic value but also for what it means to the village."

The George and Dragon in Erlestoke dates back to the 17th century

Erlestoke, described as a "chocolate box village" by its residents, is located between Devizes and Westbury.

Fiona, also editor of the Erlestoke Village News, said: "We really want this happy sociable village with vibrant ideas to have a warm and welcoming hub.

"Our village hall was condemned so the pub was our only really social building we could go to. We have utilised the church, but people do want to go to the pub."

Mr Gardner said he would be willing to sell the George and Dragon "for the right price" if his planning application falls through, adding he "tried all he could" to make the pub viable in the village.