A Deal pub which has been serving customers for 200 years will never be knocked down or turned into housing, thanks to the campaigning of Dave Cousins from the Strawbs.

The Saracens Head in Alfred Square had been unoccupied from October and the Friends of North Deal (FOND) group became concerned it would be sold to developers.

Chairman Alasdair Goulden, who also lives in Alfred Square, was contacted
by Mr Cousins, who lives nearby, and the pair joined forces with fellow FOND
committee member Robin Green.

They compiled an application for Dover District Council to consider listing the property as an asset of community value, which means it must be offered for the public to buy if it were to go on the market.

“It is fantastic news that it is now protected as it is a fantastic pub and pretty iconic,” Alasdair Goulden, Friends of North Deal.

It also prevents the current owner, Shepherd Neame, from changing its use.

If it goes on the market, the community has the chance to raise the cash to buy it.

Mr Goulden, 63, said: “It had been empty for a considerable amount of time and there are far too many pubs being closed down.

“I am absolutely delighted and somewhat surprised.

“It is fantastic news that it is now protected as it is a fantastic pub and pretty iconic.”

Mr Goulden said the pub was in need of a makeover but had remained popular with people from all walks of life and had disabled access.

The proposal was submitted on January 25 and a response was received on March 30.

Shepherd Neame reopened the pub on March 24 with licensee Emeline Burton at the helm.

A Shepherd Neame spokesman said: “We remain committed to the Saracens Head, and have been offering significant support to the new licensee who took over at the end of March.

“We are confident the pub has great potential, and will be investing in a complete refurbishment of the pub’s kitchen and bar area, with work expected to start soon.”