THE future of a popular Redditch pub, that was previously closed, has been secured after being granted asset of community value status.

The Seven Stars in Birchfield Road was given the title after councillors unanimously voted in favour of listing the pub as an 'asset of community value' during an executive meeting on Tuesday, April 19.

It means that the pub cannot be sold without first being offered to the community to buy and the local authority should be informed if the owner wishes to sell.

If a group wants to buy it, they can trigger a delay for six months to give them a chance to raise the required funds.

The pub, which has a darts and pool team, was closed down for three months in 2014 after a previous owner was unable to remain open due to escalating rent charges.

CAMRA's (Campaign for Real Ale) Redditch and Bromsgrove branch applied to Redditch Borough Council to designate the pub an asset of community value.

Branch chairman Paul Richards said: "It is great that this community pub has been granted asset of community value status. This pub was closed a couple of years ago and this will protect the pub from change of use.

"They hold fundraisers and over the Easter bank holiday they hold a charity raffle, which is another example of a business supporting the local community and these are the pubs we want to protect."

Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA branch have monthly meetings and regular social trips, and volunteer members can also work for beer at the Bromsgrove Beer Festival and Redditch Winter Ale Festival.

To find out more visit rbcamra.org.uk.