Devon villagers have come together in a bid to save a local pub described as a "force for good" - and stop it being turned into homes. The Red Lion is one of two pubs on the main road through Tedburn St Mary.

Villagers say it was a home to many community groups, a hub for activities and provided a retreat for locals - in contrast to the high-end food and accommodation on offer at the other village pub, The Kings Arms.

The Red Lion was bought by new owners in 2018 and run as a family business but suddenly closed its doors in July 2022. It was put up for sale for £425,000 and described as having "development potential".

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Estate agents described the pub as a "substantial and well-presented character village freehouse" with a number of period features. They said much of the pub rebuilt following a fire in 1969 and called it a "deceptively spacious detached 2 storey property" with a "prominent and visible trading position in the centre of the village".

Villagers say the owners applied for a change of use and conversion to four dwellings, retaining part of the site for future development. And locals decided they had to take action - saying the closure of the pub was "influencing the social life of the community", with many activities no longer taking place and groups disbanded.

The ‘Save the Red’ group was formed and applied to Teignbridge District Council to have the pub declared an Asset of Community Value. Members say the Red Lion played a significant role in achieving community unity as a social hub, meeting place and generator of community activities; that the Kings Arms did not provide a comparable alternative and that the Red Lion could again be a viable business and community hub.

A Community Benefit Society is now being created in a bid to raise funds, negotiate the purchase of the premises, and re-open the pub. The group is being advised by the social enterprise specialists, Plunkett UK along with CAMRA and Pub is the Hub.

Members say many locals have pledged to support the purchase through a community shares initiative and the Society will also seek grants. The Parish Council has supported the ACV designation and objected to the planning application, as have many residents.

They believe the proposed development is damaging to the street scene in a key area of the village, arguing it presents parking and traffic movement hazards they say. Most of all, residents’ are objecting to the loss of a pub that they say provided jobs, boosted the local economy and was a major contributor to the social life and wellbeing of the community.

Group Chairman Scott Sibley said: "Too many pubs are being closed for short term development profits. We know that trade is difficult in the current economic climate, but a Community Benefit Society will provide a different financing model and secure the Red Lion for the community.

"It is a major challenge to get to grips with the processes involved, prepare a business plan, and gather support, but we are encouraged by the help that has come from people in the village and beyond.

"Pubs are part of the way communities support each other, they are more than businesses they are significant to community cohesion, wellfare, local identity, social and economic development. Our village is diminished without the Red Lion, we have come to realise what impact it had and we want that force for good back."

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