ANGRY regulars have set up a petition to try to save their pub from being demolished to make way for a drive-through McDonalds.

Sheffield-based developers Dransfield Properties Ltd has submitted plans to City of York Council to regenerate the former British Gas site next to the Frog Hall Inn, in Layerthorpe.

But Sue Lacy, a regular at the pub for 26 years, is spearheading a campaign to keep it going.

As a resident of the area, she is concerned at both losing her pub and wary of the planned development, which is set to include a video retail outlet alongside the fast food outlet.

"It would be such a shame to lose the pub," she told the Evening Press.

"It means a lot to people, and it was just beginning to get going again. It hit rock bottom but is on the up now. This is a terrible time for this news."

Sue is also angry that she has only until May 3 to register letters of complaint against the proposed development, and is working as fast as she can to rally the troops to back the objectors.

The Campaign for Real Ale is also backing the campaign.

"We will do our damnedest to help," said Geoff Henman from the campaigning group.

"It would be a great loss and we will offer all we can to help resist this. We would like to see the new plans revolve around the pub not instead of it."

A spokeswoman for the pub's owners, Enterprise Inns plc, said: "We are in the process of selling that pub."

The old gasworks would form the main area of the 23,500 square foot retail area, comprising the McDonalds restaurant and two non-food retail units, with associated parking.

City council planning officer Mick Britton said he believed one of the proposed shops may be an office equipment-stationery outlet.

The would-be developers said that in addition to bringing a new retail development to a brownfield site in the area and regenerating the former gasworks, the scheme also included an attractive riverside walkway, and would improve and enhance the local environment.

Philip Wilson, director of Dransfield Properties Ltd, said it had considerable experience in developing brownfield sites and regenerating derelict land.

"We think this new proposal for Layerthorpe is a great opportunity to breathe some new life into the area and give a boost to the economy in this part of the city."

A former car dealership site in Layerthorpe could be transformed into 64 flats.

Plans have been submitted to City of York Council for the old Volkswagen dealership.

Mr Britton said the proposals, from Barratt York, involved a four-storey building in a courtyard, with parking at the back.

A Barratt York spokesman said: "We have submitted a planning application that will go through the normal process.

"It would be inappropriate for us to make any comment at this stage."