A BREWERY which sold a two-centuries-old pub with links back to Barnsley Football Club’s early days has been accused of ‘failing the community’ and breaking a key part of the town’s history.

The Dove Inn, on Doncaster Road, went up for sale last year when its owner - Old Mill Brewery - claimed it no longer fit into its wider plans.

The pub, which opened in around 1790, became a base for footballers when the club was in its formative years and then known as Barnsley St Peter’s FC under the guidance of Reverend Tiverton Preedy.

Believed to be one of Barnsley’s oldest and most historic pubs, locals were shocked to hear the news that licensees Paul and Julie Kenworthy will be made to pull their final pints on February 24 before it closes for good.

The Chronicle understands that now a deal has been brokered with a Bradford-based property firm, the site will be used for a housing development - potentially a controversial house of multiple occupation (HMO), according to locals.

The decision has sparked a public outcry from those who fought to save it, including Father Blair Radford, the current vicar of St Peter’s.

He told the Chronicle: “When the football club started it was the Dove that they used as their changing quarters - we’re talking about a huge part of this town’s history and I believe the brewery’s let the community down with its behaviour.

“Players would head over the old farmer’s field where they’d play - that site’s now where the stadium is.

“Then after the match they’d come back, get changed and have a pint there.

“Pubs can be a double-edged sword but this truly is a community hub which brings with it no drawbacks - there’s no trouble and it’s much more than the sum of its parts as a result.

“I am aware that there were parties who were interested in keeping it open as a pub but it’s been decided that it will close and become housing.

“A HMO is the last thing this community - one that’s often overlooked when compared to other areas on the outskirts of the town centre - needs as we’ve got a much higher proportion than other areas already.

“We don’t have much, here - we have the church, the school and the Dove, which is very much the hub.

“It will be a huge loss and we feel very much let down by what’s happened.

“The last home game in which it will serve fans will be against Huddersfield Town on February 15, so it will be a very sad occasion.”

The Barnsley branch of the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) told the Chronicle they will formally object when a planning application is submitted to the council.

They believe its historic significance should carry substanstial weight in the planning process and urged the local authority to act to retain the building.

Spokesperson Nigel Croft said: “We’ve been involved in this since it was put up for sale and have been very vocal in saying that it’s still a valuable community pub, not to mention an important meeting place on matchdays or its considerable history with the football club.

“That historical aspect is crucial and we think that should be protected.

“We were made aware of its sale and we’ll most definitely be opposing whatever plans are lodged with the council when that time comes.

“Pubs of this significance can’t just be converted into housing without considerable planning amendments being agreed.”

Coun Nicola Sumner, who represents the Central ward in which the pub sits, added: “I am sad to hear the Dove Inn will close at the end of the month.

“Next week we have our monthly Labour Party meeting there and will need to find an alternate venue from now on.

“The landlord and staff are always friendly and welcoming.

“I’m from Barnsley and know the age and significance of the pub to the history of the football club.

“Unfortunately Old Mill Brewery, as the owners, are making a business decision we have no control over.”

The Chronicle contacted the brewery for a comment.