MORE than 100 people have signed a petition to save a pub being threatened with closure in Ellesmere Port.
Regulars at The Sportsmans in Whitby Road have banded together after owners Enterprise Inns announced it intends to sell off the premises.
Chris Hayes, who has been a regular there for 20 years, is spearheading the fight to save the pub, which he believes has been trading for nearly 200 years.
He fears the site will be sold to property developers and used for housing, although he has vowed to fight any such proposal as he reckons losing The Sportsmans would be an “injustice” to the local community.
Mr Hayes said: “It’s one of the oldest pubs in the town and I believe it’s worth saving.
“It has been a pleasure to experience over the past year the turnaround in fortunes of the pub due to the positive and community-minded input of the new tenants, Steve and Sylvia.
“They have turned the pub into a safe haven for young and old alike with top bands from all over Cheshire, two football teams, two darts teams and various other ongoing visionary ideas for the community.
“I don’t want to see it turned into a block of flats. I hope the people of Ellesmere Port will agree and sign a petition to save The Sportsmans.
“We want to get as many names as possible over the next couple of weeks and then send it off to the owners.”
Enterprise Inns spokeswoman Vicky Averis said: “The decision to dispose of any Enterprise pub is not taken lightly and not before every possible option has been carefully explored.
“The property has been placed on the open market and we will review all offers accordingly.”
