CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a popular pub have vowed not to give up – despite a fast-food giant confirming plans to buy the building.

McDonald’s has submitted proposals to build a new eatery on the site of The Bittern pub in Thornhill Park Road, Southampton, bringing 75 new jobs to the area.

Just days ago, staff and regulars at the pub were celebrating after the watering hole was granted “Asset of Community Value” status by Southampton City Council.

But, as revealed by the Daily Echo, pre-sale contracts were exchanged by its lease holders Punch Taverns and McDonald’s last month – potentially scuppering the Save the Bittern campaign.

Land Registry documents show the pub is valued at just over £246,000.

The papers confirm sale agreement contracts were exchanged between the two companies on June 21 this year – almost a month before the pub was granted its asset status.

It would have meant campaigners had six months to raise the cash to buy the building should Punch Taverns decide to sell it.

Now campaigners will seek legal advice over whether the asset status holds any weight over negotiations.

They will meet the Plunkett Foundation, an organisation which provides advice to community asset groups, today to see what route they can take next. But it could now mean the group may have to strike a deal with McDonald’s to save the property.

Glen McInnes, manager of The Bittern pub and campaigner, said: “The issue I have made with Cllr Mary Lloyd is they sold the contracts when the lease was still valid until July 15 – how can they sell it a month prior to that?

“We made that step forward and then had the rug pulled out beneath us, and you don’t know where you stand again.”

Southampton Itchen MP John Denham, who has been at the forefront of the Save the Bittern campaign, said: “The campaign goes on. We were prepared to pay Punch Taverns a commercial rate for the building and I think as far as local people are concerned the same applies to McDonald’s.

“This shows a potential loophole in the legislation. The problem is not with the ‘community right to bid’ legislation but that often you don’t need planning permission to turn pubs into something else.”

A McDonald’s spokesman said: “I can confirm that we have submitted pre-application plans for a new restaurant on Thornhill Park Road in Southampton.

“A new McDonald’s would bring investment to the area and provide 75 full and parttime jobs for the community.

We are excited about the prospect of investing in the area and will be working with the council to ensure our plans reflect the requirements of the local community.”