A PETITION to save a landmark Derbyshire pub from being knocked down has been signed by 500 people.
The White Post, in Stanley Common, is set to be demolished to make way for proposed new homes.
But residents say they are "gutted" and have slammed the plan, calling it "ridiculous".
Alan Walker, 61, said he had been a regular at the pub, in Belper Road, for 25 years and the news came as a huge shock.
He said: "Nobody told us officially, I just heard it in the pub that it was closing on June 29.
"Apparently, the pub was sold in April 2012 but we knew nothing about it," he added.
Mr Walker, of Glendon Street, in Stanley Common, set up a committee and started a petition which has more than 500 signatures. "It was my idea to object to the whole lot," he said.
"There is no good reason for the site to be sold to a developer.
"It's a vibrant pub and a popular place where people go. Records say it had a landlord in 1886.
"Some people have signed the petition who don't even live in Stanley Common but they have visited and do not want to see it go.
"It's unbelievable. We're all gutted. It is something that we are going to lose and we don't want that.
"Not too long ago we lost the social club, in The Crescent, to developers.
"We don't need any more houses in Stanley Common.
"It's wrong when some faceless people who live 50 miles away can waltz in and try to take our amenities away from us."
Vic Wilde, who was landlord at the pub for 17 years, said he was saddened to hear the news.
Mr Wilde, 69, of Glebe Crescent, Stanley Common, said: "I think it's a shame.
"I ran the pub from 1990 to 2007. I only came out of it because I was ready for retirement.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the pub. The company of the regulars was great."
An application has been submitted to Erewash Borough Council by Walton Homes Ltd for prior notification of the proposed demolition.
Kenny Dhillon, planning officer at Erewash, said planning permission was not required to demolish the pub.
The pub has been run by Paul Hancock and his partner, Lyn Green, for several years. The couple, who are the leaseholders, said they will cease trading on June 29, due to the lease expiring and increased rents.
Mr Hancock said he had run the pub for five and a half years. "It's sad that the community will lose this," he said. "It is a hub in the community."
