CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the last pub on a Stockton estate have won their battle.

The fight to save The Sheraton, on the Hardwick Estate, which won the backing of the local MP and councillors, was launched earlier this month after its owners said it was being sold to a private nursery company.

Now Stockton Council officers have recommended that the covenant is retained, meaning it has to stay as a pub.

Locals opposed to the closure of the pub held a public meeting to discuss the issue after it emerged that Rosedene Nurseries was on the verge of buying the pub from Trust Inns.

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham said Trust Inns confirmed to him it had sold the Sheraton, subject to contract, although it had not been on the company's list of premises to be sold.

Trust Inns was contacted for comment by The Northern Echo but declined.

It was understood the company wanted to convert the pub following the closure of the nursery at the nearby University Hospital of North Tees - despite the covenant.

Residents were also concerned about a new nursery adding to traffic congestion, with parents already taking children to two schools and people using the hospital. A Facebook page set up to oppose the plan attracted nearly 1,000 'likes'.

Mr Cunningham and local councillors Norma Stephenson and Nigel Cooke backed the campaign at the public meeting and asked Stockton Council to refuse to alter the covenant.

Mr Cunningham said: "For an estate the size of Hardwick, which has undergone a major transformation in recent years, to lose its last pub would be a major blow to the community.

"Nigel, Norma and I are delighted that the Council recognised the strength of feeling on the estate and acted quickly to sort the matter out.

"They know, however, that there is still a need for additional nursery capacity in the area and the Borough Council will work with local organisations to find the right kind if accommodation.

“I understand that the pub owners hadn't planned to close the pub and sell it but, having been approached, agreed to a sale. Now it is up to the people of Hardwick to show their support for their local pub and ensure that it is well used."