PUB-goers in The Bourne can at last raise a glass in their favourite "local", secure in the knowledge that it will not be closed down for the forseeable future.
The Fox has re-opened after a £180,000 refurbishment and two years of uncertainty over its future.
Morland, the brewers who own the pub and the Cricketers in The Bourne, felt the village could not support two hostelries, and originally announced that the Fox site would be redeveloped with housing.
A 1,000-name petition was raised by an action group formed by the Bourne and Lower Bourne Residents Association, which favoured the Fox over the Cricketers and urged that what was needed was some investment in the premises by Morland to attract more custom.
Morland's decision, that the Cricketers site would be redeveloped instead of the Fox, was taken a year ago to the delight of the residents' association.
Association chairman Gerald Dibnah-King was even more delighted after visiting the re-opened premises. He congratulated Morland on ignoring the trend for theme pubs and providing a real community pub atmosphere.
Mr Dibnah-King declared the outcome a victory for all involved in the campaign, including the Bourne School and the scouts who have traditionally been granted use of the Fox car park for dropping off and picking up children.
The pub was packed on Thursday last week when new landlords John and Suzanne Hugo held a special gathering to celebrate the completion of the work.
John, an experienced licensee and caterer, commented: "The pub looks absolutely marvellous. Everyone involved in the project has done a really marvellous job and I am sure that the locals will be delighted with the results."
He hopes to establish the Fox as a popular destination for those who enjoy bistro style food.
Morland's planning application to build five large detached homes after demolition of the Cricketers was refused by Waverley Council and a scaled down proposal has not yet been determined.