RESIDENTS say they are losing a traditional way of life, after the fifth pub to close since 2000 in an area of Oxford looks set to be turned into new homes.

The Bricklayers Arms in Church Lane, Old Marston, closed in December.

In 2002, the pub had been nominated for national family pub of the year in The Publican awards.

But last week, an application for planning permission was made to Oxford City Council to convert the pub into a four-bedroom house and build five new homes in the grounds.

Charlie Haynes, chairman of Old Marston Parish Council, said: “It’s like the village shop we lost. If people in the community don’t use these shops and Pubs, they will all shut.

“It just isn’t economically viable to keep them open if they are not used. If everyone in Marston used the pubs just once or twice a week, none would have closed.”

Mr Haynes said the pub had a long history. It had been built to serve people working in the factories of Oxford.

And during the Second World War, it was used as the headquarters of the Marston Home Guard.

Mr Haynes’s uncle Gerald had been a member, although he said: “I’m not sure an awful lot of soldiering went on there.”

He added: “It is sad. But I have to say the new houses have been done very sympathetically and will fit in well with the village.”

The pub, which was marketed by estate agents Savills for £500,000, was sold earlier this year.

The building is being developed by Danescroft Commercial Developments Limited.

The plans also include garages, car parking and room for family gardens.

Tony Goulding, of the Oxford branch of the Campaign For Real Ale, said: “At the turn of the century there were seven pubs in Marston.

“It is an area of the city that has suffered more than any others, except maybe Woodstock Road.”

Pubs to have closed in the last decade include The Cavalier and the Friar.

Mr Goulding said: “They were all good pubs, The Bricklayers Arms was a great local boozer.”

A decision on the application will be made by the city council before July 11.

lA planning application to turn The Three Horseshoes in Oxford Road into two houses was approved by the council last week.