OUTRAGED drinkers have slammed a proposed scheme for a £ million revamp of Warrington's oldest pub.

Regulars at the Barley Mow in Golden Square are horrified at Allied Domecq Leisure's planned changes to their 16th century local. They are particularly furious over a bid to change its name to The Flail and Firkin.

And a petition with over 300 signatures has now been handed to the council in an attempt to call time on the group's other plans which include:

Transferring popular managers, John Sullivan and Josie Dace

Making 12 bar staff redundant

Radical internal alterations

Simon Caufield and Alan Smith drink in the Barley Mow between four and six nights a week and were devastated when they heard the news.

Alan said: "Changing the character of such a wonderful place is crazy. They are obviously trying to attract a different class of customer.

"John and Josie have made this one of the best pubs in town. Many people are just going to want to drink elsewhere."

The proposed change will mean last orders for 12 bar staff. One, who did not wish to be named, said: "I can't afford to lose my job. I'm very upset, why are they treating us like this?

"Why does Warrington need another towny pub - its full of them already."

Opposition to the plan has also come from Warrington Civic Society. Spokesman Connie Hardy said: "I can't believe they want to change it. It's a very popular and traditional pub.

"If you name two buildings in town which the people of Warrington would stand by the barriers for, it would be the Town Hall and the Barley Mow."

Warrington Borough Council says there is no guarantee the change will take place as listed buildings enjoy a special status.

Martin Kimber of the planning department said: "The building was listed in the first place because of its historical association with Warrington.

"Any change has to keep the historical authenticity otherwise there is no way we will allow it."

A spokesman for Allied Domecq said: "This is a £250,000 redevelopment proposal. Opening Firkin pubs requires a change of name in order to communicate to customers the new attraction on offer.

"We will listen to all objections and take them into account."

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