Dunholme pub loss 'devastating' claims residents' group

A residents' action group is opposing plans to demolish a former pub to make way for a food store in a Lincolnshire village.

The Co-operative bought the now closed Lord Nelson Pub, in Dunholme, and put forward a planning proposal which includes removing it.

Campaigner David Rossier said the pub could be saved for the village and used as a "community asset".

The Co-op said a food store would mean a "sustainable use" for the site.

Mr Rossier, from the Save Dunholme Amenities Action Group, said: "The Lord Nelson has been in Dunholme since about 1823.

"There's a real danger that once this pub has gone, it's gone forever.

"There's an opportunity to revitalise it and bring it back to economic use as a community asset.

"If we lose it it will have a devastating effect on the local community."

But Emma Snedden, from the Lincolnshire Co-operative, said: "We bought the site and we've come up with a plan we believe is a way into sustainable use.

"We're not a retailer that runs pubs. The pub was on the market to be bought as a development opportunity.

"It's fair to say the response was mixed."

A decision will made at a planning meeting on 18 September.