MORE than 1,000 people have signed a petition to save a popular Basingstoke pub.

As previously reported, The Beacon pub in South Ham will close at the end of November much to the disappointment of its patrons. 

On October 25, patron Mark Ryan set up 'Save The Beacon' - a change.org petition that has since attracted hundreds of signatures.

READ MORE: The Beacon pub in South Ham to close at the end of November

The petition reads: "As a loyal patron of The Beacon for around seven years, I am deeply saddened by the news that Greene King plans to close our beloved community pub at the end of November 2023.

"This decision threatens not only to leave its staff jobless just four weeks before Christmas but also to take away a vital social hub for many in our community.

READ MORE: Residents react to closing of The Beacon pub in Basingstoke

"The Beacon is more than just a pub. For over 40 years, it has served as one of the few remaining estate pubs where locals can meet and catch up.

"It's an accessible place for individuals who might otherwise be isolated, providing them with their only communication with people outside their homes.

"It's like a small family community where everyone helps each other out."

At the time of writing, the petition has collected 1,114 signatures, with the next goal being 1,500.

The Gazette previously spoke to patrons at The Beacon, who were visibly upset to lose their beloved local.

SEE ALSO: Residents react to news that the Beacon pub in Basingstoke is closing

One pub-goer, Toni Smith, said: "It is an absolute disgrace, this is South Ham's Queen Vic', the soul of the community.

"This isn't just a pub, it's our family, so many people don't see or hear from anyone until they come here, to take it from us will be a disaster, it will affect people's mental health.

"I'm sick and tired of profits over people."

Another patron, Fiona Jones, told the Gazette: "They're taking away my whole life.

"It's a tight community in here, if you take it away then we are all just going to be stuck in our homes, with no way to socialise."

The Beacon pub is seen as a hub for residents to meet and socialise in the evenings after work, and residents believe that taking it away will have a negative impact on their lives.

John Breen added: "I can't understand how this has happened, you can't make that sort of decision overnight. It will be a real loss to the community if it closes."

A spokesperson for Greene King, the brewery that owns the Beacon, said: “We are in the process of conducting discussions with team members at the Beacon in Basingstoke, so will not be confirming any further details publicly at this stage."

Those who wish to sign the petition can find it here: www.change.org/p/save-the-beacon-stop-greene-king-from-closing-our-community-pub.