A SPECIAL meeting to discuss potential plans for The Sportsmans Arms pub to be demolished and replaced with a Netto supermarket will take place next weekend.

It is estimated by Penketh Parish Council almost 100 residents attempted to attend their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday to discuss the proposal.

As it would have been impossible for them all to have their say, a meeting has been scheduled for Saturday (January 23) at Penketh Youth Club.

A planning application has not yet been received by Warrington Borough Council for the development but that the discount supermarket chain has been in touch with the parish council to confirm that a planning application would be submitted shortly.

It is understood Penketh Parish Council had invited Netto representatives to attend the meeting but the invitation was declined at this stage.

The parish council also noted the 'overwhelming support' for the campaign to save the The Sportsmans Arms and that a group of residents were in the process of making an application to protect the pub and hoped to register it an asset of community value.

Cllr David Keane said: "It's important to remember that no planning application has yet been made to demolish the pub or to build a supermarket or anything else and without planning permission this will not happen.

"All residents will also have the opportunity to make their views known officially when a planning application is lodged with Warrington Borough Council. "Therefore, despite any rumours, this is not a foregone conclusion and all local councillors are keen to hear the views of residents."

A meeting will now be held at Penketh Youth Club (the building between the library and the swimming pool on Honiton Way) on Saturday, January 23, at 10.30am.

The building will be open from 10am with tea and coffee provided.

All residents are welcome to attend.

A Penketh Parish Council spokesman has confirmed Netto has not been asked to attend this public meeting.