Locals occupy Barnstaple pub to stop it being knocked down

A banner on the side of the pub reads "A community asset not for profit." Credit: ITV News West Country

A direct action protest is taking place in Barnstaple as residents of the Forches Estate fight to save their local pub.

The Borough Arms is due to be knocked down and turned into flats but locals say the keys were left in the door at the weekend and so they've moved in to occupy the premises while they call for a judicial review into the planning decision.

Locals say they're determined to preserve what they see as the heart of their community, as Seth Conway reports:-