Hundreds of people are backing a new campaign to stop a pub being knocked down to make way for the regeneration of a Telford estate.

They have put their name to a petition launched in the fight to save The Dolphin pub in Woodside.

Fred Butler, who helped to collect the signatures, said the pub was a vital part of the community. The building is due to go as part of the redevelopment proposals.

But Mr Butler, who has used the pub since moving to Woodside from the Blakenhall area of Wolverhampton, said he had been made to feel welcome from the first time he had gone in.

He said: “I have found it to be a very friendly pub. It’s where everybody meets, all the families. People hold birthdays up there. Now the council has said it is going to pull it down.”

Mr Butler, 60, said people from as far away as Dudley and Wolverhampton had signed the petition.

“The community around there love the pub,” he said. “It’s a family pub and a very friendly place.”

Licensee Lesley Russell said the pub was under a compulsory purchase order and was being bought by Telford & Wrekin Council for the redevelopment.

She said she and customers were sad about the closure and the pub would be missed.

Council spokesman David Morgan said: “The redevelopment of the Woodside Local Centre is a key part of the regeneration of the whole estate.

“Consultation with the community showed people wanted to see new shops, community facilities, housing and things for young people to do and get involved in.

“In the early consultation, a large majority of residents were in favour of the removal of the existing public house.

“The centre has already been greatly improved following the opening of the new Park Lane Community Centre this year.

“The detailed plans for the redevelopment of the rest of the centre are being drawn up and these will be subject to consultation with residents as soon as possible.”

By Lisa Rowley