A POPULAR village pub could be turned into a cafe and shop.

The owners of The Tipputs Inn in Horsley are in talks with Ruskin Mill College over the purchase of the property.

The college, which offers education to students aged 16 to 25 with learning difficulties, already runs a smokery and farm near the Bath Road pub and would use the building to provide vocational training for students.

Nick Beardsley, from the Cotswold Food Club, which owns the pub, comfirmed negotiations were taking place.

The Tipputs is currently the only pub in Horsley, but villagers are raising money to buy the Bell and Castle.

“The timing would fit for the college to take over Tipputs at the same time as the community opens its own pub at the Bell and Castle,” said Mr Beardsley.

If the scheme went ahead staff would be given jobs at the food club’s other pubs.

Headteacher Elisabeth Johnson said: “The college hopes that if the purchase is successful we will be able to provide an additional resource for the area.”

Some regulars are unhappy with the plans.

Customer Chris Stevens said: “People are very upset about it. It is a friendly and popular pub.”