David Ruffley MP has welcomed Greene King's commitment to the Five Bells Public House in Hessett.

As the pub was running at a loss, Greene King plans had been made to close the Five Bells on Monday 18 January.

Following concerns raised by local residents this decision has now been temporarily reversed while a solution is sought.

David said:

'The Five Bells has a small but dedicated group of core customers. Sadly this is not sufficient for the pub to turn a profit and Greene King took the difficult decision to close the Five Bells on Monday 18 January 2010.

'However, following a dedicated campaign by local residents Greene King has shown its commitment to the village pub by deciding to keep the Five Bells operating in the interim while a more viable solution is sought. This may involve the eventual sale of the Five Bells but only on the grounds that it remain a public house.

'The village pub is one of the few remaining community facilities in rural life and is often the social core of the village. At a time when village shops and post offices are becoming more and more scarce we must do all we can to protect our pubs.

'I will be keeping a close eye on the situation in Hessett and applaud Greene King for their attempts to find a solution, especially when it comes at a financial cost to their firm.'