A PUB landlord says he will fight plans by “do-gooders” to make his establishment an asset of community value.

Colchester and North East Essex CAMRA successfully applied to Colchester Council to give the special status to the Leather Bottle on Shrub End Road, meaning it would be difficult for any owners to apply for a change of use.

But owner Paul Hiller said although he had no plans to sell the pub, he does not think the CAMRA group had any right to make the application.

He said: “I have spent more than £100,000 of my hard earned money on refurbishments to the inside and outside of the pub since I bought it in October 2013.

“These do-gooders have no right to interfere on property which I own.

“I would be interested to know whether the real ale drinkers actually come to the pub because if they do then they are barred.

“I will be appealing to Colchester Council and will take it to the highest level I need to.

“I have no plans to sell the pub but don’t think there should be any restrictions put on me.”

• On Monday the Gazette reported Punch Taverns owned the Leather Bottle. They were the previous owners before Mr Hiller bought it in October 2013. We are happy to clarify the error.