A HEREFORD pub is set for a new lease of life after plans to demolish it were rejected.

The Broadleys on Ross Road had been threatened with plans to be demolished and replaced it with Co-op store.

But Herefordshire Council planners rejected the scheme in May and now the building’s owners Hawthorn Leisure say they will invest in refurbishing the pub.

Landlady Rachel Lunnon said she was over the moon with their decision.

“It’s amazing news for the pub and it’s a huge relief that they are not going to close the pub,” she said.

“It was quite overwhelming to receive so much support from the community.

David Preedy, who campaigned to save the pub, said nobody wanted to see it demolished.

“Hopefully by refurbishing it, they will get the pub somewhere near where it should be.

“This result is a credit to the community, and I think the plans to demolish it and replace it with a Co-op have actually raised its profile. I think they’ve seen an upturn in trade as a result of it. For locals, it was a case of use it or lose it.”

County spokesman for the Campaign for Real Ale Mark Haslam said the Broadleys desperately needs and deserves investment.

“This is excellent news, and a case of common sense breaking out at last,” he said.

“It’s just a shame it didn’t happen a lot sooner, as that would have saved a lot of time, upset and anger.

“This outcome will now provide the local community with a pub to be proud of, one that will be a living testament to the efforts of all those who stood up and spoke out against the plans to demolish it.

“It’s now up to everyone to support the pub. Long live the Broadleys!”

A Hawthorn Leisure spokesman said they were pleased the pub was so popular with locals.

“We’re always looking to invest in our estate, and we hope to carry out refurbishment work on the pub next year to make sure it continues to thrive.”