CAMPAIGNERS battling to save the Holly Bush Inn in Winterley are celebrating after winning their fight to save the popular old pub from demolition.

Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council's Development Control Committee turned down plans made on behalf of Pubmaster on Tuesday to demolish the rural Crewe pub and restaurant.

The application made by St Modwen Developments proposed to replace the fire damaged pub with three affordable houses and seven two-storey houses at the rear of the Holly Bush.

But councillors rejected the plans and said that although it would undoubtedly tidy up what is currently a derelict site, the loss of the pub would leave an irreversible void in the social well-being of the village.

It marks the end of a long-running battle that has seen nearly 400 people protest, with action group 'Save the Holly Bush' and councillors uniting to prevent the pub and row of historic cottages adjoining it, from being destroyed.

Action group leader Malcolm Palin said: "We welcome this decision as an important step in the bid to get the pub re-opened.

"That was our aim when we kicked-off our official protests back in April and we hope it can be re-opened and used as it was previously.

"The campaign group and the community now hope Pubmaster will fulfil their commitments in their mission statement and move forward with the speedy refurbishment of the Holly Bush Inn.

"This will not only benefit the local people but also those from throughout the region who enjoyed visiting the pub."