DOZENS of residents flocked to a Hereford community pub yesterday (February 3) to oppose plans to demolish and replace it with a Co-op store.

NewRiver, who own the Broadleys on Ross Road, have submitted the proposals to Herefordshire Council which also include a cash machine, landscaping, car parking and changes to the site’s access.

Residents have until February 7 to comment on the scheme and a public meeting was held at the pub on Sunday for people to air their views on its future.

Local councillors Paul Rone and Chris Chappell, along with a representative from Campaign for Real Ale, Mark Hallam, told residents that there were now more than 200 letters against the planning application.

Both councillors told the meeting they would fight to keep the Broadleys open, and to get ready for a fight, which they intend to win.

The packed lounge bar burst into cheers and applauded after one of the locals offered a £5,000 donation towards a fund to fight the proposals and others offered their support if the application goes to planning committee.

In a joint statement after the meeting, both councillors said that they were delighted by the turnout and the very generous donation.

“The fight to keep the Broadleys Pub goes on, and neither of us intends to give up the fight to retain it goes on until we win,” Coun Rone said.