Locals have been campaigning against the closure of the Windmill Pub, on Westcliffe Drive, for two years since the pub's brewery announced it would shut due to dwindling profits.

The pub has been operating as the Windmill for more than 50 years, and local residents say they are devastated at the prospect of having to travel to Bispham or North Shore for a drink.

A party was held to mourn the loss, Colin Ryden, of Caton Grove, said: "I am devastated to lose my local.

"Shops out to make big bucks are destroying what we care about. Everyone was so upset at the party they even wore black."

Campaigners have been fighting against plans lodged by Tesco, which lost a fight for a superstore and retracted their appeal - but plans for a smaller store are still in the pipeline.

Coun Sue Ridyard said: "It's a terrible shame. I know some people who have been drinking there for 49 years, where are they going to go now?
"People have friends here, and for many it was the centre of their social scene."

Cath Hurley, who owns Ragamuffins, on Westcliffe Drive, said: "It was a very sad day when it closed. I can't understand why the brewery would want to close a pub which seems so thriving.

"Not only was it a place where older people could go, but young people would drink there, and families could enjoy meals."

A spokesman for the Sizzling Pub Co, which owns the Windmill, said: "We are in the advanced stages of a discussion with a property development company about the sale of the Windmill.

"The pub has been on the market for two years as it is not a viable business. On this basis, the pub has closed, and we are trying to redeploy staff."

Locals are hoping the nearby Layton Institute will review its policy and allow children into the bar in the evenings.