COUNCILLORS have given the thumbs up to a proposal to turn the former Quarry Bank Liberal Club into a new pub.

Dudley's development control committee gave unanimous approval on Tuesday to the plan for the derelict former High Street club.

Ward councillor Bryan Cotterill had opposed the scheme and started a petition amid worries over parking problems and fears late night music and entertainment would impact on nearby residents.

But a report to the committee said there had been no objections from the council's head of environmental safety and health and the highways department.

Committee chairman Councillor Qadar Zada said: "It's very nice to have an application where it's not a conversion of a pub into something else. We have seen the demise of many pubs over recent months. I think this will bring some additional activity to the high street."

Cllr Cotterill said he was disappointed residents' concerns about the plan been glossed over and added: "There will be massive parking problem - I hope the people who approved the plan are about to sort it out."