Campaigners are confident about the future of a much-loved Felixstowe pub once targeted for demolition, despite the current publicans announcing they are leaving.

David and Amanda Fisher, who run the White Horse in Church Road, have announced they will be leaving at the end of March, but a representative of the Save the White Horse action group said members "do not have any concerns at the moment".

In 2021 pub company Punch Pubs, which owns the premises, submitted plans to tear down the building and replace it with a shop with four flats above and two three-bed bungalows in the pub's car park.

READ MORE: Pub saved from demolition after store and homes plan refused

However, the following year East Suffolk Council rejected the application - a decision described by the action group at the time as "amazing news".

In opposing the application, planners described the pub as a "valued community facility" and the convenience store as being a "very poor design quality".

Emma Harris-Curtis, from the action group, was reassured Punch Pubs was looking to recruit a new tenant to take over from the departing publicans Mr and Mrs Fisher.

READ MORE: Under-threat pub withdrawn from sale

She said: "The last we heard from Punch was that they were in the early process of recruitment and they wanted to keep it running.

"The number of houses being built in the local area is increasing and therefore making the pub's ability to flourish very appealing.

"It's a shame we are losing Amanda and David. They have done so much for the local area and set a high standard.

READ MORE: Felixstowe news

"We wish them all the best in their new venture. We hope the new appointed tenants will be just as good and maybe take it to the next level."

A spokesperson from Punch Pubs said: “The White Horse pub remains an important part of our estate and is well-loved by the community of Felixstowe.

“We are actively recruiting a new publican and would encourage anyone interested to contact our recruitment team on 01283 501999 or visit our website.”