CAMPAIGNERS are fighting to save a vital village pub from being knocked down and turned into an 'eyesore' block of flats.

Loudwater's only remaining pub The Derehams Inn in Derehams Lane is now under threat from development after it closed in 2021.

Plans have been put forward to see the 'popular pub' turned into seven flats if they are given the go-ahead.

Derehams Inn was owned by Margaret ‘Maggie’ Sturgess and her husband Graham. The couple bought the free house in 1998.

Graham, who was at the heart of the community along with his wife died at home on Mother’s Day, March 27, aged 71. He sold the pub before passing away.

Now, the community is fighting plans for the much-loved community pub to be turned into flats.

Loudwater resident Mick Parsons feels "disgusted" by the plans and has started a petition calling for The Derehams Inn to be reinstated.

"Alarm bells started ringing when I saw the plans," he said.

"It was a great venue and very popular and it was a fireball business. During Covid the business suffered but tell me a business that didn’t. At the time when it closed the pub and its residents were under the belief that the pub was going to remain open. The Derehams Inn is the last pub in Loudwater. The Happy Union? That ship sailed." 

Bucks Free Press:

Mr Parsons who lives less than a few meters away from the pub argues that the flats are "an eyesore and ugly.

"It was a local community pub and I'd go there two or three times a week and walk the dogs and stop off there have a few. It was a regular point of call.

"The pub held annual beer festivals that went well. Tradespeople went there. There is a lot of history there and the next pub is over a mile away." 

"The thing that annoys me most is it's been purchased and everyone's led to believe purchased as an ongoing business and now it’s being taken away.

"The thing that frustrates me is he doesn’t care about the local community."

The pub became listed as an Asset of Community Value in 2015.

At the time this article went into print, the petition gained 146 signatures of support.

Marilyn Adams said: "This public house has been an essential part of the heart of Loudwater community, especially since all other pubs in the village have closed. It needs to be retained as an asset to the village as it always has been a place where local groups and associations hold their meetings in warm and convivial surroundings, where friends meet new friends.

"Without this last vestige of easy access social interaction where you don’t have to commit to being a member, where everyone of all genders, colour and beliefs are welcomed without question, the village loses its beating open heart."

Developers Derco Properties Ltd believes: "The conversion of the former public house, Derehams Inn, to residential use would not result in any deficiencies of community facilities in Tylers Green and Loudwater.

"The building has remained vacant and serves no benefit to the local community in its current state and as such."

We have contacted Derco Properties Ltd for comment.