A CLOSED Swindon pub which came close to being turned into flats is set to re-open this month following a community campaign.

The Globe Inn, in Eastcott Road, Old Town – once a buzzing community hub – was spared the conversion after objections from drinkers who wanted it to stay as a pub.

Now regulars John Roberts and Craig Curtis have bought the popular venue and are refurbishing it as a traditional free house.

John, 41, of Old Town, who first drank there in 1973, said: “There has been overwhelming interest from a lot of people who used to drink in The Globe and want to know when it is going to open.

“The locals want their living room back, which is what the pub used to be.

“The plan is to turn it back into a good community local pub, not a theme bar.”

The Globe, formerly owned by Enterprise Inns, was sealed with steel shutters after being closed about two years ago.

Plans to convert the main pub and outbuildings to seven flats were submitted to Swindon Council but were later rejected following objections from residents.

Regulars told the Adver they had been led to believe a local businessmen had failed in a bid to buy the building.

John and Craig, who each run engineering firms, bought the pub in November and started the £120,000 refurbishment in December.

The pub will be completely renovated, featuring a new roof and windows, as well as new bar, tables and chairs, pool table, duke box, four television screens with Sky Sports and an larger beer garden.

Craig’s nephew TJ Harris, who has previously run several venues in several countries including Spain, will be the landlord.

The bar will mainly serve drinks, including two or three real ales, but will also serve simple food, such as baguettes and rolls.

Lorraine Newman and Martin Connolly, both 56, who live opposite the pub, encouraged people to write to Swindon Council to object to the conversion plans.

“It was such a blow when it closed and a lot of people who live around here are looking forward to it reopening,” said Lorraine, who became a regular at the age of 28.

“It is more than just a pub, it is a community meeting place. Everyone knows everyone who used to drink there, it is just that sort of place.

“I had my 30th, 40th and 50th birthday celebrations in there, my daughters grew up and had all their important birthdays in there, and my two grandsons had their Christening dos there.

The Globe is expected to re-open on Saturday, May 29.