The Railway Inn closed in 2015 and was put on the market for £150,000 by owner Geoffrey Smart.
But it wasn’t sold and last month, Mr Smart submitted a change of use planning application to turn the pub into a six-bedroom house.
The planning application has been met with over 60 representations from objectors, who are keen to see the Railway retained as a pub and tourism hub for the community.
Now, one of the objectors, Steve Scrimshaw of Newbrough, has launched an online petition via the campaigning website 38 degrees, which last Wednesday had been signed by 168 people.
Mr Scrimshaw said that the community needs the pub, and believes it has the potential to re-open and become a viable business.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here