THE demolition of a well-known Worcester pub would be a 'disaster' for the community says a city councillor.

Cllr Richard Udall, who represents St John's, said he believes there must be a pub preferably on the same site or, at the very least, nearby if the Coppertops in Oldbury Road is to be demolished.

Worcester's MP said he was 'very upset' by the prospect of the city losing such a valuable part of the community and that the pub had performed an important function over the years.

We reported how a notice had appeared in the window with details that Westbourne Leisure were applying to demolish the pub 'on or after October 1'. But changes in the planning laws mean they will not need planning permission for the work as long as any demolition work is carried out safely and rules are followed.

The Worcester News contacted Westbourne Leisure yesterday (Wednesday) and today but has yet to receive a statement or details of what plans the company has for the site although locals have heard unconfirmed rumours the site may be developed for housing.

The pub opened on November 6, 1969 and for many locals is viewed as the last pub serving Dines Green following the closure of the Mayflower and the Drakes Drum.

Cllr Udall said: "It's a disaster for the community. The situation is appalling. There are very little community facilities in and around that part of St John's.

"The last pub standing going is not sustainable."

Cllr Udall said he would speak to the planning department at Worcester City Council this week to make sure that it becomes a planning requirement that any future development in the area includes a public house and community facilities, especially as a large number of housing developments were proposed for Dines Green.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said of the proposed demolition: "I have to say I'm very upset about it. I would be very disappointed if they weren't considering putting a pub in.

"There is a real need for a community to have somewhere to get together and the Coppertops has performed an important function over the years as a community meeting place."

Cllr Chris Cawthorne, also representing St John's, said: "The estate has had two pubs close down over the last five years. I know the Coppertops isn't exactly on the estate but it's the closest pub they've got.

"I'm not advocating that everyone should spend all their leisure time in a pub but they can be the focus in the community."

She said when any future developments at the site did come up at planning she would want to make representations about making sure there was some kind of community facility there.
"What we want is some sort of community facility on that land. We are quite concerned."

Mr Walker said he had not yet had the opportunity to speak to Westbourne Leisure and though he said he had no powers over what they did he hoped that any application would consider the huge community value of a pub on the site.

He also said that this showed the importance of community's registering facilities of value to them as 'community assets' to preserve them.

Our readers have also reacted with sadness to the prospect of the pub being demolished.

Richard Morris said: "I remember working here part time as a teenager when Brian and Ann had it. They did amazing food.

"After work on a Sunday afternoon we'd all sit together and have a roast. Also remember Ann used to always pay me more than Brian. Happy times."

Gavin Corbett said: "Such a shame. Dines Green and the surrounding area has well and truly lost its community.

"First the Drakes Drum for houses then the Mayflower for houses and now the Coppertops for dare I say more houses.

"These were the places you could go for a pint and a chat and socialise with people of all ages. A proper community needs a local ale house. So sad."

But some readers were less than sympathetic.

CJH wrote in the comments section of the Worcester News website: "Why do some people think they have a god-given right to a local pub?

"It's not a charity, it's not a public service, it's a business. The owners can do with it as they wish. Get over it."

Locals have already criticised the closure including Dave Hill, Geoff Hill, Jim Tipper, Brian Newey and John Banner.