SCORES of concerned residents gathered outside a closed pub in Twyford to protest about the loss of a vital part of their community.

The Bugle Inn has been boarded up since it shut at the end of July and villagers fear the new owners won't be reopening it.

It is the second pub to close in Twyford after the demise of The Dolphin Inn, which was converted into housing several years ago.

The pub, in the centre of the village on Park Lane, is now surrounded by a metal wire fence put up by new owners the Inntown Pub and Property Company, based in Christchurch, Dorset.

It is the same firm that bought The Prince of Wales pub in Hyde Street in Winchester last year, which has been sealed up ever since and which is now the subject of a planning application to turn it into flats.

Last week an Inntown spokesman refused to comment other than to confirm the company had bought The Bugle Inn.

One of those leading the fight against closure is Angela Forder-Stent, vice-chairman of Twyford Parish Council, who was among the dozens of protesters last night.

She said: "I think The Bugle is a wonderful and important amenity, and one that I have fond memories of as a child when I would come here with my parents.

"It's a beautiful building right in the centre of the village and it's part of Twyford's heritage. It's got to be reopened and it simply can't be anything other than a pub.''

Another resident angry at the closure is Michael Wyard, who has lived in the village with his family for 40 years, and whose children have both worked in the pub.

He said: "I think the worst thing is the way we found out it was closing. We thought it was going to change as a pub, but we had no idea that the company who bought it were seemingly planning on closing it for good. Twyford is down to just one pub now and it's terrible loss for the community.''

Steve Jenson, licensee at The Bugle until he was forced to shut, is also supporting the call for its reopening.

He said: "It is such an important part of this village that it is vital it reopens as soon as possible.''

Meanwhile Twyford residents are also reeling from the shock news that another of the village's popular amenities is under threat.

Last week the Daily Echo revealed how a shadow has been cast over the future of Twyford Social Club because of dire financial difficulties estimated at losses of up to £2,000 a month.

Bosses at the club have now applied for planning permission to demolish the building to make way for three semi-detached houses on the Queen Street site.

However members have been assured that it is only a precautionary measure to make the site more valuable if it has to close.