CLOSING the only pub in Kexborough will run the community into the ground, according to residents and regulars.

Kerry Fenton, manageress of the White Bear on Ballfield Lane, has been given two weeks to clear out by owner Admiral Taverns after it put the popular watering hole up for sale.

Regulars have started a petition to keep Kerry in the pub until it is sold. "I was only given two weeks' notice, instead of the usual 28 days," said Kerry.

"My family and I have nowhere else to go, I have no home and no job to go to and four kids to think about.

"What hurts is I've picked this pub up and turned it around. We're actually making money. I can't understand why they want to sell now.

"To see another pub going, it will destroy this village because people have nowhere else to go to."

Faye Stone moved out of the village a year ago but still considers it her local and meets up with friends and family at the weekend.

"I love this place, the people, the management, the staff, and atmosphere. Closing it down is just running this community into the ground. We can't stand by and watch it happen. Something has to be done."