Sedgley pub protesters take fight to brewery HQ

Up to 20 campaigners from the Seven Stars, Sedgley, travelled to the brewers' offices in Wolverhampton in a bid to save the pub, which is expected to close in early September.

Led by Bill Etheridge MEP, who represents Sedgley on Dudley Council, the group brandished placards and chanted before marching to the gates in Brewery Road.

The protest follows a decision by the Planning Inspectorate last month to approve a Morrisons store which would replace the pub in Gospel End Road.

The supermarket giant had lodged an appeal against Dudley Council's original decision to reject the plans, which was upheld.

Councillor Etheridge said: "This has now gone so far we have been left with no other options. We had to take some unusual action, some direct action.

"We feel we are being ignored, the people are being ignored. As an elected representative I have been ignored."

Campaigners had been given some hope when the pub was granted Asset of Community Value (ACV) status by the council but the Planning Inspectorate's decision appears to have ended their chances.

That has not stopped the pub's regulars and Councillor Etheridge said the fight will go on. He said he has arranged to meet Marston's CEO Ralph Findlay on August 25, but admits it could be too late.

He added: "If Marston's are to sell then fine, but why not sell it to another pub? Why has it got to be converted into a supermarket? There is absolutely no need."Among the group protesting was Joy Bills, 56, who lives near the pub and has been a customer there for 30 years.

She said: "It is a place all can feel safe and can come to have a drink knowing there is not going to be any trouble."

A spokesperson for Marston's said: "Marston's has been in regular and open dialogue with the campaigners since November last year.

"Any meeting between Marston's and Mr Etheridge will be confidential."