ALMOST 700 people have signed a petition to help save a popular Reading pub.

The Rose and Thistle Pub, on Argyle Road, is owned by Greene King, and is one of the pubs at risk of closure following the pandemic.

READ MORE: Greene King: Reading pubs at risk of closure

The petition reads: “This venue has been at the very heart of the local community for decades.

“Before Covid hit, this was a thriving and successful pub but due to the inability to reopen even partially during this pandemic, Greene King pub chain has decided to close its doors.

“There are so many people who think of this place so strongly, it is where friends have been made, people have been welcomed to the community, people have met and fallen in love here and started families.
“This pub is also the centre of numerous charity days, band nights and of course the legendary quiz.”

Pub giant Greene King confirmed plans to shut dozens of pubs and cut about 800 jobs last week.

The news came as trade slumped following the 10pm hospitality curfew, and most pubs at risk had been forced to remain closed even prior to this.

The three Reading pubs that have not been reopened include The Rose and Thistle, George and Dragon, Bath Road and Bull and Chequers, Church Road.

The petition goes on: “We ask Greene King to ride out this storm, give us our pub back when it is safe to reopen.

“The local community wants and needs this place, God knows we will all need a good drink when this is over.”

READ MORE: Woman's warning about 'dog snatchers' in Reading 

Among the hundreds of signatures online are comments from upset locals.

One said: “This is my home, my life, my love!”

Another reads: “First ever bar I worked in. Would be sad to see it go.”

To view the petition and to donate, click here.