A POPULAR Kendal pub could be granted a protective status to safeguard its future.

The owners of The Rifleman’s Arms, on Greenside, have applied to have the property listed as a ‘community asset’.

If granted by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) the status would mean that if the property ever came on the open market, the community would be given the first opportunity to buy it.

Kendal Town Council has written to SLDC supporting the proposal.