Residents and shopkeepers on a Warwick estate are celebrating after saving their local pub.
More than 1,800 people signed a petition to keep the Sarah Siddon on the Woodloes and stop it being turned into a Tesco Express store.
The three-month campaign has involved protests and regular meetings with shoppers and traders from the Reardon C
ourt centre. Residents were so keen to save their pub they even considered buying shares and running it as a cooperative venture.
News of the campaign's success was announced on Monday - weeks after Tesco had admitted it was interested in the site.
Brewery Punch Taverns announced plans to reopen the pub but is thinking of changing the name and style of the venue when it reopens in three months time.
A spokesman said: "Having thoroughly reviewed the options around the future of the Sarah Siddons, we are delighted to confirm that it will continue to trade as a pub. We have recruited new licensees and look forward to working with them to build a pub business that is a credit to the local community.
"We are currently finalising investment plans to refurbish both the interior and exterior of the pub and also improve the food to attract a broader customer base."
She added: "We are considering a name change to the Woodloes Inn and would be delighted to hear the views of listeners on this, and any other name suggestions they may have. We are confident of a successful future for the pub given the level of interest and support demonstrated by the local community."
Warwick and Leamington MP James Plaskitt has helped with the campaign. He said: "It seems that Punch Taverns have felt the pressure of our objections. Public opinion on the Woodloes has prevailed and that's great news.
"I think this will also come as great news to the community in Lillington campaigning to keep the Walnut Tree going."
