Saints pub faces new redevelopment threat

12:01pm Monday 16th July 2007

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A POPULAR pub saved from closure last year after a campaign by regulars is under threat again from the bulldozers.

The Saints pub in Millbrook, Southampton, was saved from demolition last year after passionate customers fought to keep it open.

But just 15 months on there are plans to knock down the pub and replace it with flats.

Planning chiefs could give the green light to the scheme tomorrow because the proposals include building a new pub alongside the homes on the site.

The new plans have had mixed reaction among regulars at the pub on the corner of Kendal Avenue and Mansel Road West.

One regular against the move is Philip Clarke who spent six weeks on the roof of the pub last year to voice his anger at the proposals.

Phil, 46, of Anderby Road, said: "I'm definitely against it. It's got too many memories. My father bought me my first pint here when I was 18 and I bought him his last pint here before he died.

"In 1976 I saw the FA Cup winning team stop outside the pub. It will be a shame to knock it down and I will get back on the roof again if I have to because I don't want to lose it."

But regular Frank Lodge welcomed the plans and said other regulars felt the same way.

Frank, 50, of Seacombe Green, said: "As long as there's a pub I don't mind as there's no pubs this side of the estate. It's the people that make the pub not the pub itself."

Redbridge Labour councillor Cathie McEwing said: "It's always a good thing to have new homes built and we have a dire need in Southampton for affordable homes. And if it incorporates a pub as well then it's in keeping with the vicinity."

Conservative councillor for Millbrook Linda Norris added: "If the plans go ahead I hope some of the original character can be retained from the old pub. Every community needs a pub, a church and a post office."

Last year regulars formed a Save Our Saints committee and collected a petition opposing the plans containing around 2,000 signatures.

The pub was re-named after Southampton Football Club in 1962.

The redevelopment will include a part three-storey and part four-storey block of flats containing 39 one-bedroom and 29 two-bedroom flats.