ANYONE over the age of 35 who fancies an alcoholic drink in Worcester city centre doesn't have a great deal of choice these days.

That's not to say there are not some excellent pubs catering for the more mature drinker - there are. The problem is that there are not as many as there used to be.

Over the past few years, cities like Worcester have witnessed a rapid growth in hostelries aimed at the lager and cocktails crowd.

The old-style watering hole serving pints of real ale to a social mix of blokes at the bar, couples in the snug and an old chap with a dog in the corner are now the exception rather than the rule.

This newspaper therefore welcomes the call by planning officers that an application to convert a historic Worcester pub into offices should be refused. Of course, a council committee has yet to make a ruling, but we are confident that its members will heed the advice of the professionals.

Anyone who called at The Plough when it was run by Antonio Navarrete knew they would be courteously received and served with no-frills victuals. The casual visitor was made to feel just as welcome as the hardline beer anorak.

Pubs like The Plough have always played a vital part in community life, providing meeting rooms and support for local sports teams. They bear no resemblance to the modern drinking palace. That is why this was a victory for commonsense and local democracy.

Hopefully, many a furrow still lies ahead for The Plough.