Fight for Wolverhampton pub's future gaining momentum

Bushbury North councillor Ian Angus has written to New River Retail chief executive David Lockhart, asking him to attend a public meeting about the developer's plans for the Harrowby Arms in Patshull Avenue.

The Fordhouses pub transferred to New River in late 2013, when brewer Marston's sold more than 200 of its pubs across the country as part of a £90 million buy-to-lease deal. Now there are concerns the pub may be reduced in size to make way for a Co-op convenience store.

An online petition has been signed hundreds of times, and says residents and businesses have not been informed or consulted about proposals to 'build yet another unwanted supermarket'. Councillor Angus and fellow Bushbury North Councillor Daniel Warren have both thrown their support behind the campaign to save the pub.

Councillor Angus said the plans had prompted widespread concern from local residents who are worried about the future of a very well run community pub and the likely impact on a well-established convenience store nearby. "As you can see from the numbers of people who have signed that petition, there is a lot of concern from people about the pub," he said.

Councillor Angus went door-knocking in Bushbury North over the weekend, asking locals their thoughts on the plans and encouraging them to sign the petition.

The Harrowby Arms petition is at epeti tions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/72839