Time may be called on pub

The fears of hundreds of pub regulars have been realised after plans for the demolition of their beloved local were finally lodged.

Developer Spring Residential has applied to knock down the Shoulder of Mutton in Tettenhall Wood and replace it with eight houses and 12 flats.

The news follows months of uncertainty around the Wood Road pub, which sparked a huge campaign by residents. More than 900 people signed a petition, which was handed to pub owner Marston's this year.

Landlord Brian Bissell said that it would be a shame to see the pub go and the loss of the car park would cause major problems.

He said: "I can understand it from a business point of view, pubs are struggling at the moment.

"But it's not just about business. It's a lovely pub and a hub of the community, a meeting place for people.

"Aside from that, the car park had 94 cars on it last Friday. There are schools, churches, pubs all sharing the one car park," he said.

"If that goes it will bring the village to a standstill.

"The other day, the doctor couldn't get out to see a patient because he was blocked in due to the lack of parking in the village."

Tettenhall Wightwick councillor Wendy Thompson said the plans will be fought hard every step of the way.

She said: "We are very unhappy about it. This is a character building and a central part of the social fabric of the area. Even without seeing the plans we would be against it but we also have a blanket policy discussed in the area forum meetings against anymore flats. We are flatted out.

"Another issue is car parking. The pub car park is used for overspill because Tettenhall Wood car park can't cope with demand from the nursery and infant schools, doctor's surgery and The Institute."

And councillor Thompson hit out at the brewery.

She added: "It would be perfect for a restaurant to be added but the brewery is taking what they see as the easy option and just flogging off the land."

Neither Spring Residential or Marston's were available for comment today.