ACTOR Sir Patrick Stewart is lending his support to save a pub from becoming a supermarket.
The Mirfield-born actor spoke out after hearing of Tesco’s plans to create an Express store in Mirfield.
Campaigners have come out in force to oppose the supermarket giant taking over the former Black Bull pub at Huddersfield Road.
Clr Martyn Bolt said he’d had a message from Sir Patrick, and the Star Trek actor told him: “It is a handsome building and if you want to add my name to anything, please do.”
Clr Bolt said: “Although he never personally frequented The Black Bull, I have had a message from Sir Patrick, who says his father Alfred occasionally used the pub.
“He was dismayed to hear the news of Tesco’s plans. Public strength of feeling, opposition from the town councillors and now Hollywood stars against it, how much more do ‘Tescopoly’ want?”
The supermarket has taken advantage of old planning laws which allow a pub to be converted into a shop.
A planning application submitted as The Black Bull, amending a previous permission for a ground and first floor extension and disability ramp, was approved by Kirklees Council in June.
Eight further planning applications relating to the shop front, signs, plant yard, gantry and canopy, a satellite dish and cash machine are still undecided.
Work has already begun on refurbishing the pub.
More than 1,000 residents, traders and local business people marched through the town centre last week to oppose the plans.
They believe the building’s heritage will be lost once Tesco move in.
