Villagers fighting to reopen a pub which has served a community since the 18th century are one step closer to their dream now the site has been listed as a community asset.

The Plough in Shepreth has been the “hub” of the village for centuries and served Allied airmen during the Battle of Britain.

After closing at the start of 2011, when the former owner went into liquidation, the building has sat empty and residents feel it is a waste.

The current Plough building is more than 100 years old and villagers say they are unhappy it has not been put up for sale as it has been deteriorating since it closed.

Seventy-year-old David Elliott, the strategist for the 60-strong campaign group, Shepreth Ploughshare, said: “We are pleased to say the pub is now listed on the community asset register, meaning the community will be able to make a bid to buy it when it goes on the market.

“But The Plough hasn’t been put up for sale yet, we have been told we will be notified when it goes on the market but we haven’t heard anything yet.

“We are very concerned as there are some aspects of maintenance which must be addressed in the building.

“There are letters strewn across the foyer, the property is not being looked after.”

Members of Shepreth Ploughshare are keen to save the pub from falling into the hands of developers, after it was used by many of ‘The Few’ in the Second World War.

Mr Elliott, of Frog End, Shepreth, said planners have confirmed The Plough is “economically viable” and that turning it into a house would result in the loss of a “village service”.

He added: “A planning application to transform the site into a domestic property has already been submitted but luckily it was refused.

“There has been a drinking establishment on this site since the 1700’s so it has got a lot of serious history.

“We are very close to Duxford and we are aware pilots used to come from Bassingbourn.

“Rambling groups come to the village and now have nowhere to go and grab a drink or dinner, it is a real shame.

“It was a community hub so it is very important to Shepreth.”

County councillor Susan van de Ven, who represents the village, said the building is looking more and more derelict and unhappy.

She said: “Everyone worked very hard to get the pub on the community asset register, we realised that was key.

“We would all like to see it revived, it is embedded in the history of Shepreth.

“Everyone who lives here can remember visiting.”

For more information visit www.sheprethploughshare.co.uk.