CAMPAIGNERS fighting to safeguard the future of a pub will step up their efforts this weekend with a demonstration.

The Sun Inn, in Bradford Old Road, Cottingley, could be turned into eight flats, with townhouses constructed in its car park and surrounding grounds if Bradford Council gives the go-ahead.

The pub closed late last year, bringing 400 years of a drinking establishment in that location to an end.

Local residents have slammed the plans and the Bradford branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has started a campaign to block the plans and reopen it as a pub.

The plans, submitted by Sun Inn Developments, say it is “no longer viable” to run the premises as a pub.

It said: “The Sun Inn is in an area which is currently well-served by pubs and bars to cater for all social leaders and entertainment values. It is no longer viable for it to compete with these other premises, many of which have better accessibility and food facilities to cater for more customers.

Peter Down, from Bradford CAMRA, said: "There is a large section of the community that is upset about the closure of the Sun Inn and would like to see it re-opened as a family-focused, food-led pub again.

"This is evidenced by the number of objections already submitted to the Council’s planning website including one from the local MP, Philip Davies.

"It is the only establishment of its type in the area. There is nowhere else in Cottingley that provides a place where people can go to eat - all the other food establishments in the area are takeaways - can seat a large number of people, both inside and out, performs the function of a general public meeting place and, from a CAMRA perspective, where real ale is sold."

He added: "If the planning application is successful, this will permanently remove an important community asset."

Mr Davies, the Conservative MP for Shipley, said in his objection: "The pub has been very much missed by local people since its closure last November as there are no other family pubs serving food nearby.

"Cottingley has had an abundance of new housing in recent years causing considerable traffic congestion in the local area and beyond - more houses would make this situation worse. The existing pub building is in keeping with the local area and should be preserved.

"Modern housing would be out of place in this location. The design and number of properties represents overdevelopment of the site."

The public demonstration will be held from 9.30am until 11.30am at the pub site tomorrow, to mark six months since its closure. 

Bingley Town Council will discuss the plans next Tuesday.