The landlords of a popular pub are refusing to leave after being told by brewery bosses to pack their bags.

Mick and Sue Simmonds, who have run The Globe Inn, in Cranham Street, Jericho, Oxford, for 15 years, were told by Morrells of Oxford Ltd to leave the pub by the start of September.

But the couple claim they have not been given the three months' notice required and say they are staying put.

Sue Simmonds said: "I am going nowhere. I have still got all my ornaments and things up and I haven't done a thing about packing.

"We are sticking to our guns. If the worst comes to the worst they will have to get an eviction order, because we are not leaving." She added: "Since we were first told to go, we have not heard a thing. We are completely in the Locals and pub regulars angered by the brewery decision have rallied round to keep the popular tenants. There are petitions in the pub, the post office and a local housing estate.

Pub regulars Jean and John Radford, of Great Clarendon Street, Jericho, said the Simmonds did a great deal for the community - providing lunch for the Jericho Pensioners' Lunch Club every Wednesday, and caring for elderly people in the area as well as taking sick people to hospital. Mr Radford said: "We feel it would be a dreadful loss if they are asked to leave. People come out of the Globe saying what a homely and welcoming place it was, so Morrells can only have something to gain by keeping them on. The brewery is making a dreadfully short-sighted mistake."

A spokesman for Morrells of Oxford Ltd confirmed that the Simmond's tenancy expired on September 3 and would not be renewed.

Story date: Saturday 04 September

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