A CAMPAIGN to save a threatened Southampton pub is being stepped up.

A plea is being issued calling on the city council to save the “much loved” South Western Arms pub.

Locals say it helps keep the community of St Denys together and that it must be saved.

Councillor John Savage, ward councillor for Portswood, is urging the authority to take measures to safeguard and protect the pub, in Adelaide Road, next to St Denys station.

Last week the Daily Echo reported how it had suddenly closed its doors.

Owners Ei Publican Partnerships confirmed it was currently closed due to the publican’s decision to cease trading because of personal reasons.

It added that anyone interested in taking on the pub should contact it.

On the pub’s large outside chalkboard the message “closed until further notice” is written.

Cllr Savage is hoping that putting forward a motion at next Wednesday’s council meeting will raise awareness of the pub’s closure and also get backing to help turn it into a community pub.

He said: “St Denys is part of an almost village-like environment and the residents there have lost a number of pubs in the last few years, so to lose another will be detrimental to the people living there.

“We want to try to maintain the community cohesion because the South Western Arms in particular was a pub enjoyed by a mixture of groups from students to the elderly.

“It’s an important asset for the older generation as well because it can help combat loneliness and we want this pub to stay at the heart of the community because it is a much-loved space for people.”

Cllr Savage wants the council will support the pub in becoming an asset of community value – which means it will be given at least six months’ protection from developers looking to build on the site.

He is also aiming to try and get the pub run by the local community.

The publican was unavailable for comment.

Ei said the pub had an anticipated turnover of around £491,000.

Five years ago, the pub was crowned Daily Echo Best Local.