CAMPAIGNERS have been celebrating after proposals to turn a popular Stourbridge pub into a convenience store were turned down by planning chiefs this week.

Brewery giants Marston had wanted to turn the Gigmill pub, on the corner of South Road and The Broadway, into a convenience store but the application was turned down over traffic concerns.

The decision has been welcomed by the Stourbridge and Halesowen branch of CAMRA who performed a leaflet drop on the surrounding area over Christmas urging residents to oppose the scheme.

But CAMRA spokesman Si Genner remained cautious in victory and said: "We may have won the battle, but we still have to win the war.

"When we heard about Marston's proposals we decided to take action and try to save the pub.

"Unlike some, The Gigmill is a viable pub that attracts all different types of clientele and this was just a blatant move by Marston's to make a quick quid by getting rid of a perfectly good pub.

"Thankfully Dudley Council are beginning to realise the important part a pub plays within a local community and are being more positive by trying to support local pubs."

The decision has also been backed by West Midlands MEP James Carver, prospective parliamentary candidate for Stourbridge.

He said: "I hope this decision sets a precedent for other such applications.

"I'm delighted the application has been refused because the pub is the hub of a community.

"I don't want to be seen jumping on the bandwagon for every pub which comes under threat, because some are clearly not viable.

"But I've been to the Gigmill and it's a busy and perfectly good pub."

Pete Virdee, proprietor of the Broadway Service Station opposite The Gigmill, added: "It's excellent news that the planning application has been turned down. If it had gone ahead, it would have killed me and put me out of business."

Following the decision Marston's issued the following statement: "We are disappointed with the decision and we are currently evaluating our options."