ELMLEY Castle residents are furious' with the owners of their village pub after they snubbed a meeting to discuss the future of the popular establishment.

There was standing room only in the village hall as residents attended the meeting to speak to a representative of Admiral Taverns in order to find out the latest on the company's plans to re-open the Queen Elizabeth pub.

But Admiral Taverns pulled out of the meeting at short notice, instead sending a statement informing the villagers that they were considering selling the building.

Angry residents want to send a clear warning to potential developers that they will face a difficult battle' if they try to convert the pub into houses.

A Save The Queen Elizabeth Committee has been set up and a war chest' containing thousands of pounds is in place to help any potential legal battle.

Committee chairman, Richard Walton said: "We will lobby councillors on the development control committee to refuse any planning application and keep up the pressure on Wychavon to support this community facility.

"We will leave no legal stone unturned in our efforts to retain the pub and prevent an unscrupulous developer from making a windfall profit at the expense of our village."

Resident James Hickman has offered to buy the pub but his offer was not accepted. He said: "I think they are looking for more money and didn't believe my offer was high enough. They are being very optimistic about their asking price.

"A lot of people attended the meeting to get the information from the horses mouth and were very angry when no one turned up. We think that they are ashamed to show their face after breaking so many promises."

Villager Brian Druce added: "The community stood by while two pubs in the village were closed and we are not prepared to lose the last one without throwing everything into the effort to save it."

Two pubs have already closed in the village in recent years. The Plough has been closed for almost twenty years and is now a private house and The Old Mill has also been turned into houses after closing around five years ago.

Catherine Hand, speaking for Admiral Taverns said: "We are carefully considering all of our options for the future of the pub and will ensure that we communicate the outcome at the earliest opportunity."

9:15am Thursday 8th May 2008

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