THE remodelling of an "indispensable" community pub has been met with dismay by regulars.

The Windsor Arms is currently being redeveloped by its owners, Brains, into a 'family friendly pub with classic dining'.

A campaign called "Save the Windsor Arms" was previously set up with several customers actively getting involved.

Adrian Roper spearheaded the effort, and was in regular contact with the company to try and find an alternative solution.

But having received a phone call from Brains announcing the work was to go ahead at the Windsor Road site, he said there was concern amongst regulars.

"Many will have to break ties of several years and the consequences of destroying the ambience of a local pub are clear," he said,

Dianne Owen regularly attended live music sessions at the Windsor and described the move as an "utter shame".

Ms Owen admitted the pub needed updating but not a total overhaul, and said the town does not lack for places which serve food.

She suggested its change to a 'gastro pub' could see it lose a lot of its customer base while gaining only a handful of new users.

The campaign cites various reasons against the remodel, including limited parking, the prevalence of other eateries in the town, its out of town location and the relative lack of success of other similar ventures nearby.

In a recent appeal to Brains - in the hope of retaining the traditional nature of the pub - the campaign team mentioned its ability to welcome people of all ages and backgrounds.

They also argued that the strong musical heritage, fine ales and wines and ability to host community events such as political meetings made it "indispensable".

The pub recently held its last live band session and open mic night, which were well attended as locals bid an emotional farewell.

Robert Rahn, who has been going to the Windsor Arms for several years, pointed to an "incredible history about to be "swept away".

He mentioned its likely beginnings as a coaching inn right through to its current day position as a hub of the local community.

Mr Rahn said: "These sorts of places are becoming ever more rare so we need to protect them. Even if you look at the economic case, the likelihood is that the change to a "gastro pub" will mean it will lose a lot of its customer base while gaining only a handful of new ones. It does not make sense to me, from either an economic or sentimental standpoint."

Brains were unable to provide a comment at the time of going to print.