Antonia Bance MP slams plan to turn the Old Chainyard pub in Coseley into a convenience store
A much-loved local pub in Coseley is at risk of closure, following a decision by Red Oak Taverns to seek a planning application for change of use to retail, ahead of a plan to sell the site to Asda. The Old Chainyard, on Castle Street, is a traditional Black Country local and a proper community pub, with frequent charity nights.
Antonia Bance MP is campaigning alongside local residents against the planning application, which is currently awaiting a decision from Dudley Council’s Planning Committee.
Antonia Bance MP for Tipton, Wednesbury and Coseley said: “I was devastated to see plans to turn the Old Chainyard into yet another convenience store. Our Black Country locals are vital to our community and need to be protected.”
“It was great to pop in and catch up with the landlady Amanda and her regulars. It's clear, through her hard work over the last 10 years, that the pub is thriving and has so much potential. The Old Chainyard is a much loved community asset we can't afford to lose. I’m going to fight this planning application every step of the way.”
Coseley resident and Old Chainyard regular Martin Wookey said: “The Old Chainyard is at the heart of our community in Coseley, and I’d be gutted to see us lose it. I’ve been drinking here for many years now.
"For the last two years in the run up to Christmas, Amanda and the customers at the pub have run numerous raffles, events and raised donations for the local foodbank. Christmas 2024 was our best one raising over £2000 in food and new toys."
"We have tonnes of supermarkets and convenience stores already in Coseley. We don’t need to knock down our local to make way for yet another one.”
