Time could be called on a historic Cinderford pub if plans to turn it into a nursery are given the go ahead.

Claire Smith believes the Royal Foresters, which has some of the best views in Gloucestershire, is the ideal location for a new nursery.

And landlord Ian Martin has agreed to sell up if the owner of Little Pebbles on Plump Hill gets permission for the conversion at a planning meeting next month.

He says there is not enough trade to keep all the pubs and clubs in the town open and closing the Royal Foresters will give others a better chance of survival.

"Pubs are finished," he said. "It's been on the market for three years and we've only had one viewing.

"People think it's a matter of standing behind the bar taking money but it's a 24/7 job and it's no good when you have to start putting in your own money to balance the books.

"Only around five customers live within a half mile radius and there are six or seven other pubs and clubs within a mile, so it will not be a loss to the local community.

"There's no shortage of pubs in Cinderford and us closing could help some of the others that are struggling to get through the next 12 months.

"It's a nice sized property in a lovely location that could easily be turned into a nice nursery."

To win permission for the conversion he will have to prove the pub is not viable as a business.

But he says there are very few regulars who live locally and the skittles and darts teams have already accepted they might have to move before Christmas if the change of use is granted.

Claire has told officials she has plans in place to address concerns about traffic, parking and the type of modifications needed to create a Montessori setting.

Apart from the installation of a fire escape at the rear to accommodate upstairs usage, there will be no significant external changes.

Claire said she's been looking for the right place for her niche expansion plans for over a year.

"We know our parents don't want a clinical feel to a setting and we are keen to avoid this," she said.

"We have worked hard to develop something a little different and we see this as a fantastic opportunity.

"It's a great location with a lovely feel which would lend itself so well to create a spacious and more homely atmosphere and the environmental positioning would provide such a great canvas for the children's learning. It's a lovely location and a fantastic opportunity for a childcare setting."