Bargain chain Wetherspoon has launched a controversial new bid to open a pub in Lymington.

The move has been welcomed by campaigners Jacqui and Emma Head.

The mother and daughter team collected more than 1,000 signatures last year from people in favour of having a Wetherspoon bar and restaurant in what is now the Palfrey and Kemp store next door to the town’s historic parish church of St Thomas.

Following refusal of planning permission for change of use, the 760-pub chain has now organised a public open day to explain its revised plans.

It will take place in Palfrey and Kemp’s between 10am and 4pm on Friday.

Mrs Head said: “I think it’s really good news for the town because it will be cheaper for the youngsters, and it will also be cheaper for the pensioners.”

But New Forest district councillor Maureen Holding said: “On that site there were lots of reasons why not. The church hasn’t moved and the area is still the same.”

The previous plan sparked off a volley of protests before councillors refused permission.

A Wetherspoon Wetherspoon spokesman said the open day would provide an opportunity for people to question the architect, legal adviser and general manager.

He added: “It’s a good opportunity for people in Lymington to engage face-to-face with Wetherspoon.”