Campaigners celebrate Vulcan victory

Campaigners are celebrating after a threatened historic pub was granted a stay of execution - thanks to the support of a host of celebrities and MPs.

After 150 years of trading, the Vulcan in Cardiff city centre was expected to close its doors for good next week to make way for a car park development.

But it is understood the developer MA Rapport and pub owner Brains are working on a deal that will see the traditional pub remain open for another three years.

Thousands of people had backed a campaign to save the pub including actor Rhys Ifans and politicians including Lord Neil Kinnock, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg and chairman of the All Party Save the Pub Group Greg Mulholland MP.

Rachel Thomas, chairwoman of the Save the Vulcan campaign group, told The Publican​: "This is great news because it means the pub is safe for another three years.

"We will have a drink to celebrate now but we know it is not completely over so we will start up again after that."

Richard Davies, Brains' sales and marketing director said: "It's very positive overall and we are very pleased with the arrangement we have come to. The developer is thinking of integrating the pub in any future plans."

Around 7,000 people have added their names to a petition to save the pub.

Plans originally submitted by the developer involved knocking the Vulcan down to build student accommodation and a multi-storey car park.

Last month the pub was awarded the Campaign for Real Ale Cardiff pub of the year award.

When The Publican​ visited the pub last week licensee Liz Smart said she "was hopeful" the pub would be saved.