A COMMUNITY is rallying together to raise around £200,000 to save their historic pub from closure.

The Blackamoor Inn, which is thought to have been established in the 1700s, has been put on the market by owners Thwaites after closing its doors closed last month.

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Nearby residents have set up an action group to coordinate efforts to raise the funds needed.

They hope to register the building as an Asset of Community Value with Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Thwaites has placed the Roman Road pub on the market for around £150,000 but residents will need to raise more than the asking price because of the added VAT charge.

Eddie Maxwell, 46, who has been a regular at the pub for 15 years, said: “There are no limits to the lengths we will go to to save the pub.

“We have got the local vicar on board and MP for Blackburn Kate Hollern.

“The last thing we want is for it to be turned into an Indian restaurant.

“It is a local pub so we want it to remain a local pub.”

Mr Maxwell said that the Blackamoor Inn Action Group’s Facebook page has been shared by 800 people since it was set up following the news that the pub was on the market.

An initial meeting is being planned for June 30 at St James’ Church, Stopes Brow, to garner support from the wider community for the fundraising bid.

Mr Maxwell has raised concerns about the pub’s car park being sold off as a separate lot as the pub could be saved while losing its ‘valuable’ car park.

He said: “They have just come along and cordoned off the car park which does not make any sense.

“They are selling off the land separately, which is ridiculous.”

The group is looking to discover more about the site’s history and has contacted its local library in an effort to find more information.

Mr Maxwell said: “There are people who have been drinking in the Blackamoor Inn since the year dot.

“We will do all we can.”