CAMPAIGNERS who have been fighting for more than a year to stop their local pub from being demolished to make way for new homes turned out in force at a planning hearing in Salisbury.

Residents living in the Pauls Dene area of the city attended last week's hearing to voice their objections to an appeal by Pennyfarthing Homes Ltd, which wants to demolish the Butt of Ale pub in Sunnyhill Road and build homes on the site.

About 150 residents attended the hearing, conducted by planning inspector Michael Hall.

They included campaign spokesman Phil Boland, former landlords, St Mark's ward district councillor Sheila Warrander and representatives of the community partnership team.

The hearing was on Salisbury district council's refusal to grant planning

permission for the demolition of the Butt of Ale and the building of ten homes on the site, and on a second appeal over the council's non-determination of another application to build seven homes.

The council's main objection was centred on its policy to maintain wherever possible shops, pubs, post offices and other facilities in small communities because they are essential to the life of the community.

The Butt of Ale was the centre of the Pauls Dene community for more than 30 years before it closed down in May last year.

It was regarded as the hub of the locality, serving not only as a pub but also as a community centre.

Mrs Warrander said Pauls Dene was a large residential estate in its own right and the pub was the only facility for local people, both young and old.

Mr Boland led the objections, pointing out that the pub was essential, as it was regarded as a meeting place and a community centre as well as a venue for family gatherings.

Mrs Warrander said: "The pub prevents the isolation of the elderly, who cannot travel easily, and provides activities for young people.

"The attendance at the hearing demonstrated the genuine community spirit for the pub, and it is essential it is retained."

The pub closed in May 2003, when its owner, Inn Town Properties, closed it down, and since then it has remained boarded-up.

The inspector's decision will be announced later.