THE loss of a York pub could help revive one next door, it has been claimed.

Developers want to demolish The Locomotive in Watson Street, Holgate, and build houses in its place.

Kevin Keaveny, pub preservation officer for York’s Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) branch, said while the loss of the pub was regrettable, it could help protect The Volunteer Arms, just a few yards away.

In a letter to City of York Council, which is considering the planning application, he said: “It seems to be a case of lose a pub to save a pub. If by losing The Locomotive, The Volunteer Arms can be saved then that is as good an outcome as we can expect.

“The Volunteer Arms is for sale freehold and, hopefully, an owner can be found who can turn it round.”

He said the demographic of Holgate had changed with the closure of York Carriageworks, but said the success of The Phoenix in George Street, which looked doomed several years ago, showed what could happen with the right management.

Mr Keaveny called on the council to ensure the surviving pub was kept. A decision on The Locomotive is due this week.