AN application has been made to list Edwardian gem The Blue Bell in Fossgate as an asset of community value.

Loyal customers have signed the application, which would give the local community time to buy the traditional pub with its perfectly preserved interior, if the building were threatened in the future.

It comes at a time when the owner of the tenanted pub, Punch Taverns, was last week acquired by Patron Capital.

The Blue Bell licensee John Pybus was swift to reassure pub regulars and visitors that the tiny boozer was not under immediate threat.

However, he said, with around 40 pubs closing in the UK every week and being converted into supermarkets or domestic use, it makes sense to list the pub that opened in 1798 as an asset to safeguard its future.

“We formed The Blue Bell Conservation Group and we are up for a fight, if that is what is needed to protect it in the future,” he said.

“The Blue Bell is not just a pub and a fantastic Grade II listed building, which affords it protection at the moment, it is a social institution,” he said.

“This place really does change lives for many people who meet here. It is an antidote to social isolation, a place for camaraderie.

“And it’s one of the few drinking places in York that is packed in January and February.

“It is a tourist attraction too because of its interior, unchanged since 1907, but it is not a museum, it’s a vibrant and rare place.

“It is vital we put a protection in place now. There are rumour with the takeover of Punch Taverns that there will be asset-stripping on the cards for some of the pubs.”

Mr Pybus, who took over as landlord two years ago, said The Blue Bell is his future too, he hopes for 20 years at least.

But he added: “For traditional pubs to survive like this for another 200 years they need to be independent of big companies and free to buy beer at a market price, not double through the buildings’ owner.

“Like any small business they need all the help they can get to thrive and survive.”

It sells traditional beers and ciders, pork pies and bread and does not allow large groups or swearing or offer music or fruit machines. Its motto is: “Just a proper pub for proper pub people.”

The application is due to be considered by the City of York Council’s executive meeting on October 17.