Party to show people power in Sedgley's Seven Star's pub battle
"We could give up at this point but this is more than just saving a pub we love - we are going to make a stand in such a powerful way that they will finally get the message."
Those were the words of Councillor Bill Etheridge as 'people power' was called as a last ditch attempt to save Sedgley's Seven Stars pub from developers.
It comes just weeks after campaigners believed they had won the battle against supermarket giant Morrisons, with their bid to turn the Gospel End Road pub into a convenience shop - when the firm withdrew their licensing application.
However, days later Morrisons confirmed the application was only withdrawn because it wasn't ready and that they had always intended to continue with the process.
Now objection slips and a community party are some of the final tactics proposed to save the popular pub.
Councillor Etheridge who represents the Sedgley ward spoke of not giving up the fight.
He said: "This battle has attracted attention from all over the country and we will certainly not be giving in now.
"We are going to hold a community party and invite Marstons and Morrisons too.
"It will be a festival type atmosphere and we will bring Christmas early.
"If we do this one biggest show of force and power then we will show them that we are fighters."
Concerns were also raised about Morrisons licence to sell alcohol from 6am, with campaigners urging everyone to object to the application.
Nearby resident and pub regular Mrs Insley said part of the community would be lost if plans went ahead.
"My mother used to work here years ago and coming here as always felt like part of the family.
"It is a traditional family friendly pub that it profitable, so why do they want to take it away from us.
"We don't need another convenience store when there are ones already over the back, which could end up boarded up if Morrisons come along too."
Campaigners intend to hold the community party on October 22.
Last month Morrisons announced that it was to sell off 140 M local convenience stores, many of which were making a loss. The new store to replace the Seven Stars was primed to be an M local store.
The supermarket giant also announced it was to close 11 of its supermarkets, including sites in West Bromwich and Oldbury.
