A POPULAR Hampshire pub which starred in the Dallas-By-the-Sea Sunday soap Howard's Way is at the centre of a new drama.

Plans to alter Bursledon's Jolly Sailor, which overlooks the River Hamble, have been hit by waves of protest.

The South Hampshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale have launched an online Jolly Sailor Preservation petition.

A Camra spokesman said the group had already gathered more than 500 signatures.

Camra is backing the campaign to preserve Old Bursledon's famous watering hole following fears that proposed alterations might "remove the heart of the pub".

Its South Hampshire branch chairman Ian Black said: "The traditional interior of the Jolly Sailor clearly has a place in the hearts of very many people and its reputation is widespread.

"We have no objection to the proposed expansion of kitchen facilities or other external alterations."

However, he claimed: "The plans for the interior amount to ripping out the heart of the pub."

But the pub's owners, Dorset based brewers Hall and Woodhouse have hit back, maintaining that the campaign has been based on misinformation.

The company's retail director David Hoare explained the plans were threefold:

Ensuring a safer and more comfortable environment for employees by extending the kitchen.

Replacing the lift mechanism to ensure safe transport of beer from the cliff top to the pub.

Restoring an original fireplace which currently houses a double fridge unit.

Mr Hoare added: "Hall and Woodhouse is passionate about the Jolly Sailor and has absolutely no intention of spoiling the ambience of one of our favourite pubs."

An Eastleigh council spokesman said: "It is understood that the company is to make changes to their original proposals. The council has therefore asked them to make a new application."