REGULARS at the Dodford Inn are rejoicing after winning the first round of the battle to save their local pub.

Villagers flocked to the Council House in Burcot Lane on Monday (July 17) to hear planning chiefs unanimously reject an application by Save Investments to change the use of the pub from commercial to residential use.

The decision was greeted with rapturous applause in the council chamber.

It comes after months of campaigning to keep the pub open.

In April, licensee Ray Louch received the bombshell news that Save Investments planned to close the pub.

Locals rallied round and formed the Save the Dodford Inn action group.

A petition was then launched, and nearly 1,000 signatures were collected.

"We are delighted with the support we have received from the planning committee," said Mr Louch.

"I hope this will result in a re-think by Save Investments.

"I think they will appeal, but the pub now has such a high level of support.

"There are four parties interested in taking over the pub so I hope Save Investments will eventually bow to pressure."

The Save the Dodford Inn action group also boasted the backing of real ale group CAMRA.

Brett Laniosh, a national executive member of CAMRA said the group fully endorsed the work of the action group.

"We think Save Investments should learn from this, and let it go to somebody who does want to run it as a pub."

Campaigners now face a desperate wait on the pub's long-term future, as Save Investments plans its next move.

Kailayapillai Ranjan, chief executive of Save Investments, was unable to comment on whether or not an appeal would be lodged, or whether or not the pub would be closed regardless of the planning committee's decision.