DEVELOPERS hoping to close and bulldoze a pub in St Ives have met with stiff opposition from the town council.

Plans were submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council to demolish the Manchester Arms in Needingworth Road and replace it with a retail unit, but town councillors have said it would increase noise, traffic and the flood risk.

The town’s planning committee asked that the plans be refused as the retail unit would affect existing convenience stores, damage the viability of the town centre, increase traffic levels and added that no need had been identified for a store in that location.

HDC will decide next month whether to approve the plans.