CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating the “first step” in saving their beloved pub.

Save The Dyke campaigners are celebrating after learning that Brighton and Hove City Council has agreed to list the pub in Dyke Road as an asset of community value.

Regulars were shocked to find in August that the pub had been converted into a furniture store overnight.

Owner Martin Webb said he could no longer continue to make losses on the venue but he has been urged to sell the pub to another pub company or landlord.

The abrupt change was allowed without planning permission thanks to a change in the law allowing pubs not listed or with ACV status to be converted to retail spaces.

Campaigners said they will still continue to save their pub and are encouraging supporters to back their fundraising campaign at crowdfunder.co.uk/save-the-dyke-pub and sign their petition at change.org/p/brighton-hove-city-council-save-the-dyke-pub.