Campaign to save Pelsall family pub as housing development threatens future
Up to 180 people have signed a petition opposing plans to turn one of the oldest pubs in Pelsall into a house.
Father-of-two Adrian Worley has managed the Allens Lane pub for 12 months with his wife Julie, but in January the pub was put up for sale.
Proposals have now been submitted to Walsall Council by developers planning to turn the Marstons Brewery pub into a single home.
But customers at the watering hole have challenged the plans, saying it is 'a community pub' which means a lot to the locals. A total of 179 customers have signed the petition urging Walsall Council not to allow the conversion of the pub.
Dawn Stokes, of Avon Crescent, says she has been drinking in the pub for almost 30 years, during which time she has taken her children and grandchildren to make the most of the secure outdoor play area.
"It's a community pub where everyone meets," said grandmother-of-two Mrs Stokes, aged 47.
"You can take children in there and there's a great play area out the back. It's a real family pub, which means so much to us all.
"If it's changed into a house it will take something away from the community. It would be a real shame.
"I've signed the petition - we all have."
Mr Worley says he has been overwhelmed by the support from his customers, who he has only known for the last year. He says that while he cannot get involved in the action, he will fully support them in any way he can. "It was the customers who got the petition going, which really meant a lot," said Mr Worley, aged 49.
"I've been working in pubs for 13 years and my wife's been in the business for 15 years, so we've got almost 30 years experience behind us.
"I think this is a move by Marstons to get rid of all its smaller pubs. The Wheatsheaf in Bloxwich has gone up for sale too.
"I didn't get told anything - someone just turned up one day with a for sale sign back in Janaury.
"I was disgusted I hadn't been told. I've got a family with two kids to support.
"I don't know where we'll go once the pub's sold. This isn't just our business, it's also our home."
A decision is expected on the plans by Thursday.
