MORE than 600 people have signed a petition to save one of St John's last pub beer gardens from becoming a housing site.

The battle is on to save the Grosvenor Arms' garden from having five houses built on it, amid fears that the loss of the garden could "kill" off the pub.

It is also feared it will leave a big hole in the St John's area, as the garden is a real hub in the community often hosting highly attended fundraising barbecues, which have so far raised more than £1,000 for local causes.

However, owner of the pub Peter Styles, says building houses on the garden will save the pub in the long run as it means cheaper running costs.

City and county councillor Richard Udall who represents St John's said: "The Grosvenor Arms is a family pub, a children’s play area already exists in the garden and frequent community barbecue’s take place, which have so far this year raised over £1000 for local good causes.

"All this could be lost if the application is granted."

He confirmed a petition circulating around the ward has been signed by more than 600 residents so far.

Cllr Matthew Lamb, who also represents St John's, said: "Many local people tell me they use the pub and enjoy the beer garden, if lost it would be a tragedy.

"It is one of the last places in St John’s where families can come together safely. Communities need community pubs like the Grosvenor Arms, losing the beer garden could kill the pub and that must be resisted."

Both councillors, along with cllr Chris Cawthorne who is spearheading the campaign to fight the application, will object to the plans.

Mr Styles said: "There were three contractors vying for that pub when I bought it, and I was the only one who wanted to keep it as a pub.

"With the pub being subsidised with residential housing, it reduces capital costs for the pub's running and means it can stay open for longer.

"The garden is only used at best 40 days out of the year.

"I am getting sick of these personal attacks. I own many pubs in Worcester, and having residential housing on the sites is a way of keeping pubs open. It is a proven business model.

"Would these people rather the pub was closed completely, or just the garden was lost?

"I am not closing the pub, which is more important than having a garden. It’s not a family pub like some others are.

"There wouldn't be half as many pubs around here still going, if it wasn't for me doing what I do."

The planning application was submitted to Worcester City Council.

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