A NEW landlord and landlady are pulling pints against the clock to try to prevent last orders being called at a popular York local.

Aberford Investments, owners of The Magpie, in The Groves, has applied to knock down the pub and turn it into 20 flats.

Former landlord and landlady, Tony Alsop and Clare Foster, last year launched a campaign to save the boozer.

Now, new bosses Brian and Ann-Marie Davies are working flat out to prove to the owners that the Penley's Grove Street pub should keep serving. The couple have cleaned the pub from top to bottom, have ordered new furniture and are decorating it with antiques.

They also plan to target the huge student population in The Groves through drinks promotions and by holding live music nights.

But despite Brian and Ann Marie's plans, Aberford says it still plans to sell up.

"We are continuing along our original path," said planning consultant Martin Beal.

Brian said all he and his wife could do was work to make the pub a success.

He said: "We want to make a go of it. The regulars love this place, regulars are coming in who haven't been here for two or three years or more. We want to do as best we can with it to show them it is worth keeping open."

Regular Kev Gee has been drinking in The Magpie for 20 years.

He said: "It would be a shame to see this place go, it would be badly missed."

The application to demolish The Magpie will be debated at The Guildhall, from 5pm, on Thursday.

Updated: 09:36 Saturday, March 27, 2004