CAMPAIGNERS have issued a plea to save one of the town's oldest pub buildings from the bulldozers.

Planning permission is being sought to demolish the former Boars Head, on Elton Head Road and build a convenience store and a smaller shop.

The building is believed to be one of the oldest in St Helens, possibly stretching as far back as the 17th century.

Punch Taverns submitted the demolition plans to the council last month.

The former Texaco site, across the road from the pub, has already seen plans to knock down the petrol station and replace it with a single-storey shop, approved.

The St Helens Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has expressed firm objections to the proposals for the Boars Head, saying it will "leave a large chunk of the town with no pub to forge a community around".

Alan Healey, CAMRA branch chairman said: “In a world where the big supermarket chains are failing to make money due to there being too many shops and not enough customers, it is ridiculous that two convenience stores are being planned across the road from each other.

“Punch Taverns have badly let down the customers of the Boars Head.

“With all the new houses adjacent to the Boars Head they should be investing money in the site to attract customers in, not cashing in their asset.

“The council should reject this planning application because there is just no need for anymore supermarkets, without damaging the business of existing ones, and it will leave a large chunk of the town with no pub to forge a community around.

"I am only glad I do not own one of the many new houses being built in the locality as there will be no pub anywhere near there.”

The planning statement submitted to St Helens Council states: “The proposals seek to meet a local need within the surrounding area.

“The site is intended to specifically provide easy daily top up convenience shopping for the immediate local area.

“The catchment area for the site includes a large amount of residential dwellings. Consequently, the proposed development would increase the range of goods and customer choice for the local residents.”

The plans remain on public consultation until Thursday, May 28.