Campaigners who fought to save a High Wycombe pub from closure say it is a “sad day” for the town as the establishment shut its doors. 

The community rallied to buy the “neglected” Beaconsfield Arms on Hughenden Road when it was put up for sale by owners Greene King last year - but their bid was not successful. 

The Save the Becky Arms Pub committee was set up to list the pub as a community asset and they tried to raise money to buy the freehold so it could continue in its current form.

However, Greene King have now confirmed a sale has been agreed. 

Downley resident, Martin Sharpe, said the pub’s closure has “deprived the area of a much-needed meeting place.” 

He said: “Where else could I mix with students from Bucks New University, builders and tradespeople, company directors, pool players, anglers and football fanatics, councillors and kids I used to teach 20 years ago?

“What happens now? Board it up for years and wait for vandals to take their toll? It will be the destruction of a local landmark.” 

A Greene King spokesman said: “After putting the Beaconsfield Arms on the market last year we have now agreed a sale. 

“The pub’s operators have been aware of the situation. Occasionally, we have to make a difficult decision to sell a pub to allow us to continue investing in our estate and we would like to thank the people of High Wycombe who have supported the pub over the years.”