RESIDENTS in the Chutes villages have rallied around to put the heart put back into their community.

Following the closure of the Cross Keys in Upper Chute in the early part of 2013, the pub is now open again thanks to the efforts of its locals.

Two residents, husband and wife Gerry and Jane Wheeler, former employees of Hampshire Constabulary, have taken on the task of running the amenity.

The Wheelers admit that their inexperience as landlords meant taking on the pub was at first daunting, but say that they have had a huge amount of support from the local residents.

Former PC, Jane, said: “On the first night we opened a six, we had a staff briefing beforehand and a lady arrived with some flowers which said ‘thank you for putting the heart back into the village’.

“We have had lots of cards and gifts since we opened.”

Gerry, a former DCI, added: “On the weekend before we opened there was 14 of us in here painting, making tables and finishing off.

“They have given their time for nothing to get the pub open again.

“Tradespeople, who all live locally, have just charged us for the materials and not for their time, they have been amazing.”

The couple have also reopened the restaurant as ‘Limones’, offering an Italian menu, drawing from Gerry’s own family heritage complete with a pizza oven and take away service.

After the pub closed in 2013 a ‘Save the Pub’ campaign was established around the village and steps were taken to have the Cross Keys registered as an Asset of Community Value, allowing some measure of protection against losing the pub altogether. As residents, Jane and Gerry were been instrumental in preserving the pub as a public venue, heading the campaign, driving letter writing initiatives, rallying the villagers and ultimately, putting their money where their mouths are, by taking over the business. One resident, Hannah Withers, said: “I am thrilled that the Cross Keys has re-opened.

“It is bringing back the sense of community in the village which has been lacking since the pub was closed a few years back.

“I have visited for a drink several times and have always been greeted with a smile into a warm and friendly atmosphere.”

Chute Forest resident, Jayne Paramor, said: “It is fantastic to see this well-loved venue being given a new and vibrant lease on life.

"Once again it is providing a focal point for the local community and what better reason is there than that to warrant for a visit to the Chutes?”