A VILLAGE pub has reopened following a campaign to save it from a supermarket development.

The Eagle, Stock Road, Galleywood is now welcoming back regular customers after a special launch event.

The Co-op had applied to Chelmsford City Council for planning permission to develop the car park and garden of the pub into a supermarket, but the council threw out the plans in January.

The plans were rejected at a controversial council meeting last month with six councillors voting against the plans and five voting to pass them.

The reasons for its rejection were the noise impact, the effect the plans would have on a listed building and the general viability of the plans.

The Chelmsford Weekly News understands the supermarket giant is currently in the process of lodging an appeal.

A campaign was launched against the development and a petition received hundreds of signatures from angry residents.

It is understood that the pub was boarded up for a time but new tenants have moved in to run it.

A launch party was held on Wednesday, April 12 and regu lar customers were invited to celebrate the event.

The new opening times are noon until 11pm from Tuesday to Thursday, noon until 12am Fridays and Saturdays and noon until 10.30pm on Sundays.

The pub will be closed on Mondays.

Janett Potter, Conservative councillor for Galleywood, said she is pleased the pub has reopened.

She added: “I am sure that with a good manager the pub will get its regular clients back.

“I am hoping that the great community-based events and activities that used to be held at the pub will once again take place there.

“The church and vicar of the village used to hold meetings at the pub and there were also other community events which should be started up again.

“I think that residents will also be pleased to see the pub open again, but we must remember there will be an appeal soon.”