CAMPAIGNERS battling to safeguard a 150-year-old pub have spoken of their joy after plans were revealed to re-open it within months.

The Woodman’s Arms, in Rayleigh Road, Thundersley, closed suddenly last October much to the shock of loyal customers who have been pleading for it to re-open ever since.

Yesterday, owners of the pub, Star Pubs, announced that it will be re-opening in “early spring” once internal works are completed inside the building.

Star Pubs will initially open the pub under temporary management before starting the recruitment process to find a “long-term” landlord.

Residents also launched a petition to see the pub re-opened and campaigned alongside Rebecca Harris, Castle Point MP.

Benfleet resident, Michael Dixon, said: “Its fantastic news that The Woodman’s is set to reopen. It is a valuable addition to the community and I am so pleased for Castle Point residents.”

The Woodman’s Arms pub has been welcoming guests since 1874, according to its website.

St James’ Tory councillor, Jacqui Thornton, said: “I am really pleased to hear this positive news from the brewery, and I am confident Castle Point residents will quickly return to support its reopening.”

The pub initially closed on October 10 last year, and despite concerns among the community it repeatedly insisted that it would re-open as soon as it was ready.

A Star Pubs spokesman said: “We will be able to reopen the Woodman’s Arms in Benfleet in early spring once internal compliance works are completed.

“To ensure the pub reopens as quickly as possible, initially it will be run under temporary management.

“We will then start the recruitment process for a longer-term operator to run the pub.”

The previous landlord announced on Facebook that they would be leaving the pub, after operating it since March 2020, stating only that it was “time to move on to pastures new”.