A DEMONSTRATION was held at the Sun Inn pub, Cottingley, over the weekend by campaigners fighting to safeguard its future.

The building could be turned into eight flats, with townhouses constructed in its car park and surrounding grounds if Bradford Council gives the go-ahead.

The pub closed late last year, bringing 400 years of a drinking establishment in that location to an end.

Local residents have slammed the plans and the Bradford branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has started a campaign to block the plans and reopen it as a pub.

Peter Down, from CAMRA, said: "The public demonstration was considered to be a success with approximately 70 people attending during the morning to lend their support. 

"Many of these have grown up in the area and said that the closure of the pub has been a huge loss to Cottingley as there is nothing else like it in the area. 

"A number of families were present and they stated that there is now nowhere for families to eat and socialise throughout the day and that is child friendly.

"Many in Cottingley believe there is a demand for the Sun Inn to re-open so that it can perform an important role in the community again. Support was also shown by a large number of those driving by."