LOCAL musicians have pledged their support for the landlords of two of Preston's oldest pubs that could be knocked down to make room for a retail outlet.

Plans were submitted to Preston City Council in March to develop land off North Road, St George's Road and Kent Street into a number of fast food outlets and an expansion site for B&Q.

If the plans go ahead, the historic Unicorn Hotel and Moorbrook Inn in North Road plus Canterbury Hall, Garstang Road, could be demolished.

And despite assurances from the Unicorn owners, Pub Estates, that they would not sell out, the campaigners believe that if the price is right, the pub would go.

With a council decision expected soon, regulars and musicians are determined to save the pubs, particularly the Unicorn, a listed building, being a favourite haunt for up-and-coming bands.

Brian Gumbley, who runs the popular Feast of Jazz at the Unicorn, pledged his support. He said: "The Unicorn is one of a handful of pubs left in the city which do live music now.

"It is a marvellous building. It's been known for years as an entertainment venue. The last thing they should do is demolish these places." So far more than a thousand people have signed a petition to save the pubs, including a devotee from Sydney, Australia.

Unicorn landlord Steve Berry said: "They want to knock my pub down and make an entrance for a drive through.

"People think that if it is a listed building then it can't be knocked down, but it can be if they get permission.

"It's not just a pub, it's my home as well."

A spokesman for the city council planning department said the plans were on hold while a study is made into the impact of increased traffic and retail. He said: "The plans certainly include the demolition of the Unicorn, but no application for a listed building consent has been submitted to us, and one would need to be."

Ian Magowan, of Pub Estates, said: "We were approached, and we rebutted the offer that was made to us because we want to carry on trading." To join the campaigners, meet at the Unicorn at 6.30pm on Thursday, June 27.