AREA manager Andrew Oldfield has described the withdrawal of plans to demolish a pub as a ‘massive boost’ for the Northwich community.

Punch Taverns sparked anger from residents after submitting plans in April 2015 to knock down The Slow and Easy Hotel at Lostock Gralam and replace it with housing.

The Slow and Easy hosts band nights and community events, and residents said it served an important role in the community, a view echoed by Andrew Oldfield.

Andrew is area manager for Riverside Pubs and Bars, which took on the lease on The Slow and Easy from Punch Taverns last year.

“The Slow and Easy has had its ups and down over the years, but since we acquired the lease we have had a spectacular time turning this public house into a community asset,” he said in a letter to the council.

Andrew spoke this week of his delight at news the planning application for the housing had been withdrawn.

“We are delighted with the news, which shows a tremendous amount of confidence Punch Taverns has in us as a company and our projected plans,” he said.

“The support of the Northwich community, especially the people who voiced their opinions on the planning application and the support from CAMRA, made this decision possible.

“This decision is a massive boost for the Northwich community as the outstanding work at the Slow and Easy can continue in full force.

“I would like to thank all the customers at the Slow and Easy for their continued support and creating the need for a pub in their community.”

The Manchester Road pub was voted recently as the pub of the year for 2016 by the North Cheshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

I has also been listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The listing recognises the pub plays a key role in the community.

The listing results from an application to the council by the North Cheshire branch of CAMRA, supported by Lostock Gralam Parish Council.

The listing means the pub’s owners must tell the local authority if they want to sell it. If a group wants to buy the pub it can trigger a moratorium for six months to give it a chance to raise the money to buy it.