The Yew Tree, in Holloway, closed its doors unannounced and locals are planning to launch a campaign to keep a basic part of village life alive, unless it reopens.

Parish clerk Linda McCormick said she had received calls from locals who were worried.

She added: "The parish council would be very concerned if it did close and it is on the agenda for the next meeting.

"Every village is losing post offices, shops and now pubs."

The pub's 'closure' has also left two sports clubs homeless and facing an uncertain future.

Community football club AFC Lea Holloway, which plays in the Matlock and District League has used The Yew Tree pub for nearly 50 years and for decades football in the village has revolved around the Holloway watering hole.

And Holloway's skittles team which uses the pub facilities to practice has also been forced to withdraw from the league.
AFC Lea Holloway secretary Drew Robertson, said: "Sport is very much a community activity.

"Everyone has been left in the dark as to whether The Yew Tree will open again or be lost to the community forever."

"This closure could have a terrible impact on football.

"Before you know it, football as a community game is on the downward spiral."

Mr Robertson said the club was also without a venue to hold its end of season presentation night.

Clerk Mrs McCormick said a planning application to turn part of the building in to holiday lets had been refused previously and she had been in contact with Amber Valley Council about the closure.

She added the licensing department said pub landlords could open and close as they wished.

Yew Tree landlord Clive Westnedge was unavailable to comment.