Hundreds in protest over Willenhall pub closure bid

Residents living near the British Oak say the area already has too many convenience stores and they do not need any more.

Walsall Council planners have recommended the scheme for approval but a separate application to transform the nearby Brown Jug pub, in Sandbeds Road, into a supermarket is recommended to be refused.

Ten jobs would have been created at the site, which is currently standing empty.

Shopkeepers and residents living near the British Oak gathered a petition against the proposals for a new convenience store amid fears there are already too many.

They have also raised concerns over traffic issues along the busy High Road, in Lane Head.

Brewery Marston's has applied to transform the pub, which is currently open, into a shop.

Ravinder Bhandal, from the neighbouring Nisa store, at the junction of High Road and Greadier Street, said residents and shopkeepers felt the area just did not need another shop.

"The main concern is there are already lots of shops in the area, we just don't need it," said Mr Bhandal, whose family has run the Nisa store for the past 20 years.

He said there were also concerns about extra traffic. "It's already busy along here," he said, "especially since the ambulance base opened in Ashmore Lake Way. We get lots of ambulances coming down the road. What if there's loads of traffic backing up around the store?"

Mr Bhandal said there were also fears the proposed store, with its planned 19-space car park, would be a "beacon for anti-social behaviour".

Two letters of objection have also been submitted to Walsall Council, claiming that there is no need for a new food retail unit in the area.

They also express fears there will be an increase in the numbers of heavy goods vehicles on the street at delivery times.

But planning officers at Walsall Council have recommended the plans, which include a rear extension to the pub and changes to the car park, for approval.

A report by head of planning David Elsworthy said: "It is not considered that the proposed scheme would generate any significant issues differing from the established use of the site."

Meanwhile, Mr Elsworthy said there was "no demonstrated local need" for the new supermarket at the former Brown Jug pub.