CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a pub have had a breakthrough.

Members of the Save the Lord Hood Action Group were aiming to have their say against the demolition of the pub in Creek Road, Greenwich, at a planning committee meeting on August 31.

But campaign leader George Bridges received a phone call from Greenwich Council the day before saying the meeting had been cancelled after the developer, Rock Investments, withdrew its application "to amend its plans".

The council refused to comment on the specific changes while the application is still being considered.

But Mr Bridges says he was assured by a planning officer he would do his utmost to make sure the 200-year-old pub was part of the Bardsley Lane Development.

Originally, Rock Investments wanted planning permission to demolish the pub and other buildings on Creek Road to make way for 106 homes and shops.

The pub was planned to be replaced by an access route between the recreation ground backing onto Bardsley Lane and the four-storey block.

Mr Bridges, who has got more than 2,500 signatures on a petition, said: "This is a real result and a boost for our campaign.

"They can't demolish the only community pub in the area."

The 65-year-old added: "I think the developer should expand the site nearer to the DLR station and there will be no need to get rid of the pub."

Landlady Helen Carolan, 50, said: "It's a good result even if it is a postponement.

"I'm now very optimistic. There could be a chance to stay here."

A Greenwich Council spokesman said: "Council officers have entered into discussions with the applicant in order to try and overcome some of the objections raised by residents and amenity groups.

"The application is expected to be reported back to the planning board within the next few months."

Rock Investments director Vincent Goldstein said: "There are still some unsolved issues, relating to the application objections, which have been difficult to address over the past month.

"We will be addressing the issues and trying to put it back to the planning committee within the next eight weeks."