DUDLEY residents should determine the future of a local pub threatened with closure according to local councillors.

New River Retail wants to convert the Summerhouse Inn on Sedgley Road West, into a Co-op supermarket and has already submitted a planning application.

The proposal was met with a mixed reaction from residents - one of whom has started a petition called 'Save the Summerhill' and collected more than 300 signatures.

Local Labour councillors Keiran Casey and Adam Aston met with pub regulars last week, together with MP Ian Austin, to try and gauge public opinion.

The councillors have written to every resident in the surrounding area asking for their thoughts on the plan.

Cllr Casey said: "We're still getting letters back at the moment and the decision is very close.

"Pubs are a very important part of the community and the Summerhouse has been in the village for many years.

"In contrast the Co-op could bring 20 new jobs to the area - but at the same time there are many people who don't want to see another pub close in the area."

He continued: "We met with the licensee and the person who started the petition.

"The licensee has taken over on a temporary basis and wants to be given the chance to regenerate the pub. They were completely unaware that planning permission had already been applied for.

"They wanted the chance to try and build up trade again.

"It's my job to speak up for local people and make sure their voice is heard."