A PUB will open at a former building society, despite rumours of a possible change of location, it was confirmed yesterday.

In September, JD Wetherspoon was granted a provisional 12-month licence to convert the former Cheltenham and Gloucester Building Society branch, in North Road, Durham, into a pub.

The licence was awarded despite objections from the City of Durham Trust, which feared that another pub would result in an increase in disorder in North Road.

Durham City Council's development control committee had previously denied planning permission for the conversion, but the decision was overturned on appeal.

JD Wetherspoon, which specialises in pubs offering all-day food, no music or televisions, and no-smoking areas, had been seeking to move into Durham for some time.

It had previously tried to convert the former Palladium cinema, in Claypath, but had been refused planning permission.

As part of negotiations to develop the Walkergate site it was rumoured the company had discussed opening the pub there, instead of in North Road, with developer Amec.

But last night, brewery spokesman Eddie Gershon said this had been ruled out.

"We had a look at the Amec site but we are sticking with the one we have got," he said.