Punters fight pub closure

A storm of protest has been sparked by brewing giant Marston's controversial proposals for the Shoulder of Mutton in Tettenhall Wood. More than 120 people were out in force last night.

A public meeting was held where punters showed their support for the Wood Road pub – at least a dozen were forced to wait outside as an action plan was discussed.

A city councillor, the village doctor and representatives from CAMRA were among those who turned up to the Tettenhall Institute meeting.

Dr Mark Wilson, of the Wood Road clinic, said it would be an "appalling waste" if the land was sold off. "The pub as it is fits in with the character of the area," he said. "It is not an eyesore."

"Getting rid of it would further fragment and demolish community life in Tettenhall Wood."

Jim Laws, preservation officer for the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), told residents they must show their support to the city council if a planning application was submitted. He added: "You must fight to save this pub. After all, it appeared in our National Good Beer Guide so it must be good."

More than 600 people have signed a petition against Marston's proposals.

Tettenhall Wightwick councillor Wendy Thompson said the village was already in danger of being swallowed up by greedy home builders.

She said: "We don't want any more blocks of flats or a supermarket. There is absolutely no need for any more in this area. We are on a war footing and we are ready to move."

Steve Gordos, a regular at the Shoulder and leader of the campaign group, said he felt punters had been betrayed by Marston's, adding the pub was a base for many groups including football clubs and scout leaders.

Supporters are now striving to mirror the successful campaign by regulars at Finchfield's Chestnut Tree, which has gone from being in the eye of developers to a thriving community pub.