REGULARS have banded together to fight off a legal bid to turn their community pub into a shop.

The Aclet, on Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland, could become a Spa convenience store if an attempt to overturn a covenant by James Hall and Company (Property) Ltd proves a success.

The company, which is considering buying the pub, has engaged Manchester law firm, Shoosmiths LLP to challenge the 1966 legal agreement between the then Bishop Auckland Urban District Council and residents forcibly rehoused to the Woodhouse Close area.

They only agreed to do so if there was a range of facilities - including a community pub - and the covenant agreed that The Aclet could only be used for this purpose.

Now the Southport-based company, which is a wholesaler and distributor for more than 540 Spa stores across the North, is challenging the covenant's existence, arguing many Woodhouse Close properties have recently been sold without it being attached to their title deeds.

Regulars have now formed a committee to save the pub and have only until December 4 submit its arguments in defence of the 49-year-old promise. The responsibilities of the urban district council passed to Durham County Council after it was abolished in 1974.

The ten-strong team have also enlisted the support of Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman, who said: "The Aclet is as important to local residents now as it was when the covenant was placed and it is clear that the provision goes beyond just a pub but is a key factor in reducing social isolation.”

Residents argue the existence of its long-standing football, darts and domino teams, along with regular fund-raising events prove it is a vital part of the community.

Committee member, Sophie Cook said: “Just as an example, over the last year, regulars have been fund-raising for one local boy, Ryan Bennett, who has muscular dystrophy. We raised £2,000 to send him to Disneyland. We also raised money for victims of the tsunami which hit Indonesia in 2004. The Aclet is just that sort of place.”

The committee, which also includes Karen Graham, Susan Maughan and John Miller, host a number of community events, including a free community fireworks event earlier this month, which attracted over 300 local residents. The pub also acts as an informal labour exchange with company bosses mixing freely with people who may be looking for work.

James Hall and Company (Property) Ltd was asked for a comment but none was available.