MERE will lose a popular pub and a landlord his livelihood if plans to knock down the Walnut Tree Inn go ahead.

Brewers Hall and Woodhouse want to demolish the pub in Shaftesbury Road and build six houses in its place.

The outline application to Salisbury District Council has angered landlord Richard Nelson.

"It's scandalous," said Mr Nelson (49). "I'm not worried about what happens to me, but this pub should be allowed to stay here for the community.

"We've got a petition which already has more than 300 signatures. I will fight this and the people of Mere will fight it."

Mr Nelson, who was born and bred in Mere, insists the pub is viable. He said: "My lease is up in January and they don't want to renew it. They want to sell the pub for houses - they'll get more money for it that way than as a pub."

David Woodhouse, Hall and Woodhouse group managing director, described the Walnut as a pub that has "gradually declined over the years" and typical of many pubs across the country.

"The Walnut is not a pub of the future," he said. "We must grasp the nettle and shut the less economic pubs."