A pub landlord has urged punters to 'use it or lose it' as plans to develop his pub into flats were approved by Bexley Council.

Tony Stowell, who has been at the Coach and Horses in North Cray Road for 13 years, said he was pleased with the council's decision because it would be better than having an empty building.

Speaking to News Shopper, he said: "Put it this way, I've been here all day and served two people. The pub can't survive because more and more people are going to Tesco's and getting drink to go home.

"The pub game is disappearing because people don't drink like they used to. Once upon a time you would know everyone in here, but people can't afford to do that anymore.

"It is sad of course, they reckon 20 pubs are disappearing a week, it is just the way the pub game is."

Councillors passed plans that will allow for six flats to be built once the pub has closed down.

The Bexley branch of the Campaign for Real Ale had opposed to the planning application claiming it would mean the lose of a community asset.

Councillor John Walters said at the meeting last night: "Bexley has always been considered for having rather large numbers of pubs. Unfortunately, those on the periphery struggle to be viable."

Mr Stowell said: "You have to use it or you will lose it. It is not just pubs, but small shops as well. You go up to London and the pubs are all packed, you can't move but it is not the same for us. We are out the way."

The building is mid-18th century with later alterations. It is painted brick with weatherboarding added in the 1980s, of two-storeys with a hipped roof.

Plans that were approved with conditions will also feature parking spaces, cycle and bin storage.

Mr Stowell said: " No one wants to to go but it is just the way it is I am afraid."

No date has been set for the possible closure of the Coach and Horses.