CUSTOMERS at a Barry pub have vowed to fight proposals to demolish the building and make way for flats or a GP surgery and pharmacy.

Pub-goers at the Master Mariner, in Skomer Road, Gibbonsdown, say the loss of the community's only all-generation social facility could rip it apart.

But a council spokesman said after being made aware SA Brain might be seeking an early release from the lease on the site, the local authority began considering alternative uses with the potential to "significantly benefit the local community”.

These include "using it to meet significant local affordable housing demand by delivering 20 one and two-bedroom apartments, and possibly relocating the local pharmacy and GP surgery into new purpose-built buildings as part of a development that would also feature 10 or 12 affordable homes".

Those opposed to the plan claim a Vale council cabinet report, which was put before councillors on Monday seeking approval to surrender the lease for redevelopment, contained “major inaccuracies” though, and that ward councillors had not been consulted.

And self advocacy group Vale People First say that more than 40 of its service users, who have learning difficulties and medical conditions, would be devastated by the loss with them using it to gain confidence in a real-life environment and socialise with residents.

Cabinet members deferred making a decision, until January 21, on the report which stated: “Over the years, S A Brain Ltd has found it increasingly difficult to keep their business at the Master Mariner Public House sustainable.

“The public house was closed for several months, only re-opening in the summer of 2018 to provide a limited service under temporary steward.”

The report noted that 20 flats could be built and that the council was conducting surveys to assess the suitability for redevelopment.

Residents say they fear the loss to the community though.

Homeowner Paul Byrne, 49, said: “If this place closes there will be nothing left at all for the Gibbonsdown community.

“I’ve been a regular for 38 years so will be heartbroken to see a part of the community ripped away from us.”

Mum-of-two Abby Germon, 27, of Gibbonsdown, said she too was upset to hear of the proposed closure.

“It’s a family pub,” she said. “I can bring my kids here."

Vale People First co-ordinator Liz Davidson said their weekly group used the pub on a Thursday and that they had lost their base, in Broad Street, Barry, to Hafod housing association.

Group members, she said, have learning difficulties and some are on the autistic spectrum and would find change difficult to handle.

She said: “If this ends up going I don’t know what we are going to do.

“They are not going to have anywhere else to go. People on the autistic spectrum don’t like change.

“It would have a very big knock-on effect”

Vale People First member Stacey Traylor, 21, added: “Some of the members are physically disabled and they come here to feel they can have friends here.

“The pub helps members become more independent."

Gibbonsdown Cllr Julie Aviet, in a letter to Vale council leader Cllr John Thomas, also said she had “major concerns”.

She said. “The report would appear to contain a number of major inaccuracies and also states that ward member consultation is in process.

“No contact in relation to this report has been made with either myself or Cllr Wilkinson.”

The pub is the base for two ladies skittles teams, two pool teams, poker tournaments, and it also hosts charity events and family functions.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said: “The Council is aware of certain inaccuracies in the report presented to Cabinet on this issue and a decision on the future of the building has been deferred to a future meeting.

“Local Members now have the opportunity to share their views on the matter, while we will also seek to clarify SA Brain’s position.

“The Council was made aware that SA Brain might be seeking an early release from their lease and so began considering alternative uses for the site.

“These include using it to meet significant local affordable housing demand by delivering 20 one and two-bedroom apartments, and possibly relocating the local pharmacy and GP surgery into new purpose-built buildings as part of a development that would also feature 10 or 12 affordable homes.

“We believe either of these proposals has the potential to significantly benefit the local community.”

Master Mariner clients are urging residents to use the pub, sign the petition, join the Facebook group, and write letters in a bid to stop closure.

A meeting is being held at the pub at 7pm tonight, and all are welcome to attend.