VILLAGERS' hopes of saving their local from being turned into housing have stalled after the owner withdrew the application before Tuesday's planning meeting.

It is understood that a revised bid to convert the Rock Cross Inn, Rock Cross, which closed in August, will be made in the New Year.

Residents of the village were expected to pack the meeting of the Wyre Forest District Council's planning (development control) committee which officers had recommended throw out the proposals.

The application by former landlady Lynn Farr, 37, prompted villagers to secure pledges totalling about £200,000 to buy the pub.