THE CAMPAIGN to save a beloved Halesowen pub from the bulldozers to make way for a convenience store has been victorious.

Developers have withdrawn the planning application to knock down The Swan, Long Lane, leaving the pub to carry on serving pints as it has for decades.

Over 500 people signed a petition opposing the planning application to Dudley Council after local councillors Jeff Hill and Karen Shakespeare started a campaign to save the pub.

Halesowen North Councillor Jeff Hill was delighted when he heard the application had been withdrawn.

He said: “This is great news for the community and the area around Shell Corner.

“It really does show that if the public rally behind a campaign to oppose to a plan then unpopular applications will be defeated.”

Cllr Hill believes the groundswell of opposition against the application was motivated by more than pub goers wanting to save their local.

He said: “People opposed the application for many reasons, there were people who wanted to save the pub, shopkeepers who did not want another convenience store and residents worried about the extra traffic generated and neighbours who did not want to put up with the prospect of 4am deliveries.”

He added: “Lets hope the pub can thrive as a community pub and people support the business to prevent another planning application being submitted.”

Halesowen North councillor Hilary Bills said: "I am delighted for the residents and I hope all those who signed the petition will now use the Swan Pub and keep it going."

The petition was presented to the Council at the Halesowen North and Halesowen South Community Forum, being held at Olive Hill Primary School on Wednesday, June 19.