A north Oxford pub is preparing to call last orders for the final time -- and its owners have blamed noise restrictions for its demise.

Former chairman of Walton Manor Residents' Association Peter Strong and resident Tilly Flynn hope for the quiet life

The Horse & Jockey, in Woodstock Road, will close on November 1, ready for conversion into eight flats and three houses.

Owners Morrells of Oxford said it had tried to save the pub and restaurant since it took it over two years ago, but failed to improve slumping sales.

People living in nearby St Bernard's Road, Belsyre Court and Plantation Road have frequently complained about noise and disturbance from the 18th-century pub.

Morrells said trade had been steadily decreasing since 1998, when Oxford Magistrates' Court ordered former owners Whitbread to restrict the pub premises to reduce noise. That meant its basement bar, which attracted most of its weekend trade, could not be used.

Morrells commercial manager Peter Long said: "This is a large pub which isn't popular with its neighbours.

"Without being able to make effective use of the basement bar it's not been possible to operate the pub efficiently, and our attempts to invigorate it failed."

Walton Manor Residents' Association has campaigned against the pub for several years.

Former chairman Peter Strong said: "We've been plagued by noise over the years and are absolutely thrilled with the decision to redevelop the site.

"The pub won't be missed."

But others disagreed, saying there was a shortage of pubs and place to socialise nearby.

Ben Lloyd, 25, of Leckford Road, said: "It's a terrible shame because the pub has been here so long.

"Lots of people who live here will miss it."