REGULARS at a Hampshire pub are slamming their pint glasses down in fury after learning that their beloved local is set to close.

The Elephant and Castle, in Bursledon Road, Bitterne, Southampton, has served loyal locals for years but the brewery that owns the pub has confirmed it is being sold.

A planning application has been submitted to Southampton City Council to build 52 homes on the site.

Ernie Rhodes, 71, of Barry Road is leading the fight to keep the pub open.

"It's been my local ever since I moved here 45 years ago," said Mr Rhodes.

"In just three and a half hours I collected 400 names on a petition. Everybody young and old is in tears. An 80-year-old was distraught when I told him what was happening and the young nippers are the same.

"You can ask anybody from Totton, the Forest, Portsmouth or Winchester and they will tell you how great it is. It's always been friendly and a place where you can meet."

Residents in nearby Fair Green at the rear of the pub are concerned the proposed development could dramatically affect their quality of life.

They say access to the new homes would be provided through their small road and that this would cause chaos.

The Elephant and Castle was rebuilt in 1930, 70 years after it was first constructed.

The Laurel Pub Company Ltd owns the pub. Its communications director, Maureen Hefferman, said: "We can confirm that the business is being sold. An application for planning has gone in to the local authority but we will continue to trade as a pub until the transaction is complete which is likely to be within a few months."

A City Council spokesperson said: "A planning application was submitted on April 10 by David Wilson Homes to redevelop the site with the erection of 52 residential units with associated car parking and landscaping.

"Development Control Service will be carrying out a statutory three week public consultation exercise. It is likely that the planning process will last two to three months with the decision being made at Member level at the Planning and Rights of Way Panel."