PUNTERS and local residents are fighting to save a popular Southampton pub that is to be closed and turned into flats.

Staff at the Big Cheese on West End Road were only told on Friday that the pub will be shut on Sunday, February 12, and sold by owner Greene King.

But a group of locals are putting up a fight to save the pub, and have even suggested getting the Prime Minister involved.

Leading the charge is Michelle Baker, of Harefield, who says the pub's 'family' won't leave without a fight.

"The news came out of the blue and was really upsetting," she added.

"We are in the process of contacting our MP Royston Smith and also FOI-ing (Freedom of Information request) Southampton City Council to see if there is anything we can do.

"We are sure the building has some listed parts and will be using that to fight our case."

The pub is not just used by adults, but also by families and those with physical and mental disabilities – it is one of very few pubs in the area that has disabled access.

Michelle added: "We may even petition the Prime Minister (Theresa May) "She has been making a big drive around mental health and the closure will affect many people locally that suffer from mental health who use the pub.

"There are many groups that come here and feel safe; there is no other place like this in the area."

A Greene King statement says: "A spokesperson for the Big Cheese said: “Following the difficult decision taken to put the Big Cheese on the market, we can confirm that the pub has now been sold and will close on Sunday, February 12.

"The team were informed as soon as we had a confirmed buyer, and we are working with them to find alternative roles within our estate wherever possible.”