THE battle to save a closure-threatened Sedgley pub made it to Westminster during a Commons community questions session.

Dudley North MP Ian Austin called on ministers to support talks between Marstons, who own the Seven Stars and Morrisons, who want to turn the popular boozer into a supermarket.

Mr Austin has also written to both companies urging them to meet campaigners fighting to save the Gospel End Road pub.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Austin said: “Does the Secretary of State agree with me that they ought to accept my invitation to meet local residents concerned about the loss of the pub and the impact this would have on traffic, parking and businesses in the nearby town centre?

“And is it possible to introduce tougher rules so that planning permission is always required before a pub is demolished or converted?”

Kris Hopkins MP, Parliamentary under secretary of state for communities and local government, replied: “I think it is appropriate that the businesses concerned should meet your local residents, and that dialogue is absolutely appropriate.

“If in your community you have a treasured asset which you want to recognise as a community asset you can register with your local council and give some protection to that.”