THE Friends of the Haden Cross Inn are celebrating after Sandwell Council agreed to list the pub as an Asset if Community Value.

Cradley Heath and Old Hill Councillor Ann Shackleton announced the news to thunderous applause at a packed meeting in the pub on Tuesday night.

The Halesowen Road pub is the first ACV in Sandwell and guarantees the community an six months right to try to buy the pub should it come up for sale.

Friends chairman Tim Haskey said: "The response from the local community has been quite magnificent.

"This is a national as well as a local issue. Our group is in contact with fellow pubs across the nation, who like us, are under threat from property developers. We need to value these community assets for the benefit of future generations."

However, treasurer Jim Mumford warned the battle wasn’t over.

He said: "We are well aware that a threat remains – but we are ready for any further attempts to damage the viability of our pub.

"Although our ACV status doesn’t guarantee protection, its official recognition by Sandwell Council will certainly help to make it difficult for developers or officials to ride roughshod over the clearly articulated wishes of our community."

The ACV status could mean more if the Government agrees to beef up protection for listed pubs – there is a debate on the issue in Parliament on Thursday.

Pub-lovers will hope additional legislation is passed to prevent property developers from demolishing pubs or changing their use to retail without first seeking planning permission.

The Haden Cross is just one of 202 pubs bought by Jersey based property developers New River Retail for £90 million last year and the Friends successfully fought off an application to build a supermarket on the car park.

Friends vice-chairman Huwey Lucas paid tribute to the support that the group had received from not just the community, but politicians of all the main parties.

He said: "We are a non-party political group.

"However, our local Councillor Ann Shackleton and her colleagues have been fully supportive of our endeavours – as has MP James Morris and prospective MP Stephanie Peacock. It has been pleasing to see such unanimity when our pub has been under threat."

Secretary Mike Shackleton added: " We are happy to play the part of trail-blazers in Sandwell and would urge other communities in our situation to stand up for pubs they care for. If we can help others we are happy to do so."