Save our pub from the bulldozers

Owners of the Wig and Pen in Wigmore Road have submitted plans to bulldoze the 78-year-old alehouse and build a block of 12 flats in its place.

But publican Simon Dowling, who took over only 12 weeks ago, said this week: "I will make it work. They just can't knock it down. It has got too much history."

He has held meetings with locals to draw up an action plan. A petition has been started and drinkers at the pub have said they will write to Worthing Council's planning department to officially register their opposition.

Mr Dowling said: "Some of the customers are furious. I only found out about the plans after one of them came in and told me he had got a letter through his door.

"When I took over the lease I was told it was a temporary one and that I had to build up trade and, if I was successful, they would give me a permanent lease. I haven't even been in here 12 weeks and they have told me the place is going to be demolished.

"I have just said to locals to think about the impact tearing this place down will have on the community. Do they really want to see 12 flats stuck up here in its place?"

Mr Dowling, who is in the middle of redecorating the pub, has just started a live music night and has also raised hundreds of pounds for local charity Tantara's Wish. It was established by the Stillwell family, from Broadwater, to raise money for research into genetic diseases because Allen Stillwell and two of his daughters suffer from a rare genetic disorder.

Tony Malone, of the Worthing Society, said members had not seen the plans and could not comment on whether they would be officially objecting to them.

He said: "Although of no particular architectural merit, it would be a shame to see the end of this landmark pub, formerly the Wigmore Arms, which has been a part of the Broadwater street scene for almost 80 years. It was originally designed for the Rock Brewery of Brighton and was named after the 6th Baron Wigmore."

The pub used to be run by former Newcastle and Arsenal striker Malcolm Macdonald. He ran the pub from 1985 to 1987 and changed its name from the Wigmore Arms to the Far Post. When he left, it reverted back to its original name and then, finally, the Wig and Pen.

Current owners, Enterprise Inns, said it was not viable to offer a leasehold tenancy.