RESIDENTS are uniting to oppose a plan that would result in a Gwent village losing its only pub.

The Bridge Inn, Llangwm, operated as a restaurant until last September, having closed as a pub in 1990 - but time could be called permanently if Monmouthshire county council approves an application to change it into a dwelling.

Llangwm residents however, want to save the village's sole remaining public amenity.

They formed a consortium to try to buy it from the previous owner, and Monmouth MP David Davies is backing their cause.

The Bridge Inn Action Network (BRIAN) is chaired by university professor Peter Hines, who said residents are now writing letters of objection to the council's planning officer.

"Thirty-five people have written so far. The pub is the only thing the village has left. The school, post office and shop have all been shut," he said.

Mr Hines said the previous landlord opened it only a handful of a times each week and is sure that were it opened fully it could be a viable business.

Llangwm community council clerk Ted Royds said in the past local clubs would meet at the pub. "It would have a community feel. We want that back," he said.

Mr Davies called the Bridge Inn a valuable community resource that would bring obvious benefits for the social and business aspects of village life.

He is writing to the council to stress that residents' views be considered.

As the Argus went to press, no-one was available for comment at the agents acting for applicant Mark Tout.