VILLAGERS near Malvern are fighting to stop their local pub being turned into houses.

More than 100 people turned up for a public meeting about the future of The Crown, on Bosbury Road, Cradley.

And 375 villagers have signed a petition against the planning application to convert the pub and attached barn into three houses.

Owner David Woodward has also applied for planning permission to demolish the kitchen, toilets and a link between the pub and the barn to build four further homes.

The freehouse, which is a listed building, has been closed for refurbishment for around 10 years. But villagers were expecting it to re-open as a pub and restaurant.

Rose Berry, who started the campaign, said she was horrified when she heard about the possible future of the pub.

"If it goes, we'll never get our village pub back," she said.

"It's a community facility and we should not be denied that. It's been there for many years and should be there for future generations to enjoy."

"We have a lot of people who are prepared to support our campaign."

And she intends to go right to the top and write to the Prince of Wales.

Not only does he own land in the area, but he is also involved in the successful Pub is the Hub campaign, which he launched last year, aimed at stemming the tide of village pub closures.

"We are compiling a detailed pack of information about the pub and the village to send to Prince Charles," Mrs Berry said.

Amazing

"We need to all the support we can get and if he got involved it would be amazing for our campaign."

Members of Cradley Parish Council have forwarded their support for the development of four new dwellings on the site to Herefordshire Council's planning committee who will determine the application, although no date has yet been set.