A REAL ALE and pub campaigner has been forced to make its support for a new taproom clear after a now ex-volunteer submitted a 13-page objection.

CAMRA, which promotes real ale, real cider and traditional pubs, has said it supports Malvern Hills Brewery's plan to convert a kitchen and lounge area next door to its brewery in West Malvern Road into a fully equipped tap room.

Andy Wood, who lives in West Malvern Road and was CAMRA's liaison officer for the brewery, submitted a long and detailed objection to the new taproom.

Cyril Day, West Midlands Regional Director for CAMRA, said that due to Mr Wood's "open hostility" to the plan he had been dismissed from the role.

He said: "In light of Mr Wood's open hostility to this proposal, and owing to the irretrievable breakdown between him and the brewery, allied to the fact he had conspicuously and consistently failed to provide reports to his CAMRA liaison co-ordinator - as the post requires - that he has been relieved of his responsibilities.

"Therefore, it needs to be made clear that his views on this matter are entirely his own and not those of CAMRA.

"As a campaigning organisation, CAMRA supports breweries and pubs.

"Proposals like this, of which there are numerous other successful operations, including in residential areas, around the UK, provide jobs, offer breweries a new market and add to the economic and social well-being of the local communities they serve.

"For these reasons, I would like to place on record that CAMRA supports this proposal."

The taproom plan has received a mixed reaction so far with some neighbours in West Malvern Road objecting over concerns about noise, parking problems and extra traffic on the already-congested road.

The brewery said it needs to have a place to sell its beer due to the increase of smaller breweries opening across the country which have led to greater competition.