'Without investment - the future would be in jeopardy' - Toby Carvery speak out following heavy backlash over Wolverhampton Cleveland Arms plans

Toby Carvery has responded to opposition over their plans for the loved Cleveland Arms pub, on Stowheath Lane, Wolverhampton. 

It comes after plans to convert the popular pub into a Toby Carvery were approved by Wolverhampton city councillors last week, leading to heavy backlash from residents around the area. 

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An online petition was quickly launched by residents of the area, with more than 1,500 people signing a petition and forming an action group to block the Toby Carvery plans. 

The group have now said that they are 'delighted' to receive planning approval', and that they 'understand' the initial concerns from residents, however, that the 'heart and soul' of the Cleveland Arms will remain. 

A spokesperson for Toby Carvery said: "We are delighted to receive planning approval to bring the Toby Carvery to the Cleveland Arms. This permission will secure the future of the Cleveland Arms.

"We understand there were some initial concerns, but we have assured locals that the heart and soul of the Cleve will remain, including its name and the strong community role the pub provides will be protected, including the pub's darts teams, the showing of live football and occasional entertainment nights."

The group added that they will be spending more than £1.5 million on the investment, adding that without the injection, 'the Cleveland Arms' future would have been in jeopardy'.

They said: "This is a significant investment on our part - we will be spending more than £1.5 million creating new jobs for the local community, at a time when many pubs around the UK are being forced to close. 

"Without this investment, the Cleveland Arms' future would have been in jeopardy, but now, this means it will be saved for generations to come."

The group added that among opposition, they have also had a lot of 'local support', saying that 'Toby at the Cleveland Arms' will 'continue to be at the heart of the local community'.

They said: "We have also had a lot of local support in Wolverhampton for this Toby investment, after all, the nearest Toby for local residents is some distance away at Burnt Tree, Tipton and in Walsall. 

"Going forward, the Toby at the Cleveland Arms will continue to be at the heart of the local community while also offering the great value Toby Home of the Roast offer."