REGULARS at an under-threat York pub look set to lose their battle to keep it open.

The Melbourne, in Cemetery Road, was put up for sale by owners Enterprise Inns in January and caught the attention of addiction charity Changing Lives, who want to turn it into a dry cafe for the community.

A bad-tempered public meeting last Wednesday between the charity, pub-goers and residents resulted in the group’s bosses vowing to consider the huge lack of support for their development.

However, in a letter written to concerned neighbours, and seen by The Press, Changing Lives has agreed to exchange contracts with the brewery, Enterprise Inns, and move ahead with converting the pub.

Drinkers have already submitted an application to City of York Council to list it as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), which would ensure anyone wishing to convert the premises must apply for planning permission.

David Coventry, a member of the residents’ group against Changing Lives’ plans, said: “On Wednesday you stood before the residents of Fishergate and expressed a desire to listen to the community’s wishes. A few days later it seems that Changing Lives is colluding with Enterprise Inns to rush through the sale of the Melbourne in order to reduce the community’s ability to have its wishes heard.

“When I spoke to you on Wednesday I thought there was an opportunity to explore what the future for The Melbourne might be in an honest, respectful and trusting way.

“I’m deeply disappointed to find that in our first exchanges that trust has already been damaged.”

Claire Gibb, another Fishergate resident against the move, added: “We do feel really disappointed because we came away from the meeting with Changing Lives thinking they would reflect on what was said, but less than 48 hours later they have arranged to finalise the sale.

“We feel rushing the sale forward isn’t fair and if it goes through this week we will be very disappointed.”

Jo Curry, executive director of Changing Lives, wrote in the letter: “We would ideally like to take longer to reflect on the discussions that took place on Wednesday, unfortunately if we delay exchanging contracts beyond June 4 then we would face a six month delay.

“We have therefore agreed to exchange contracts early next week.

“The brewery has made it absolutely clear that they will sell it and that no interest has been shown by anyone who wishes it to remain as a pub. We honestly have no intentions of creating anything that will blight the lives of the people that live in the neighbourhood.”

Enterprise Inns were unavailable to comment.