SHIPTON Gorge’s village-run pub the New Inn – held up as a shining example of the Big Society – is to lose its licencees.

Gary Pellow and Sandra Tyson have said the time is right to go after six years association with the community venture.

Palmers announced it would close the pub in 2005 but the village said there was plenty of life left in it.

They formed a support group, raised around £12,000 for renovations and negotiated a six year lease with the Bridport brewery.

Mr Pellow and Ms Tyson helped with the renovation and five years ago took over behind the bar.

The couple, both 52, have spent their working lives in the trade but say the time is right to leave.

Mr Pellow said: “We have worked hard for six years to get this working and we thought it might be the time for everybody to have a change.

“It is a project very dear to our hearts and we certainly put a lot of lives into making it work but times are pretty hard at the moment.

“It has always been a co-operative venture between us as the professionals and the village who want to make things happen here for them.

“We are proud of what’s been achieved here very few people realise how much different it is.”

The couple have to give three months notice but want to help with a smooth transition to new tenants and haven’t made any decision about their future because of the hand-over.

Mr Pellow added: “It is just going to take a little bit of time to get settled for everybody.

“We can sit on the basis of trading profitably for the last four years, being in the Good Beer Guide and getting the highest possible score for cleanliness.

“Is there going to be a better time to go?”

Mr Pellow said it was a hugely more difficult time for public houses now with drink driving laws, the smoking ban, petrol prices and incomes squeezed for everybody – especially retried people living on invested income.

The six year lease with Palmers is up next year and negotiations on its renewal have already begun.

Sue Hunt support group spokesman said: “We have started talking to Palmers and we are very confident about the future and we are comfortable with our relationship with them.”