AN AWARD-winning pub could be bulldozed by the end of the year to make way for a supermarket.

The Royal Oak, in Kinson, has just been voted Best Pub of the Year by East Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), but has a closure order and faces demolition.

Developer Hampton Hill Richmond, which often works for Tesco, has also been buying out shops in Milhams Road.

Landlord Dave Braddock has run the Oak for nearly 22 years. He said: “It’s my house, my business and everything to me. I’ve had my three kids here and we’ll have to pack our bags and find somewhere else to go.

“I’m not at all happy about it. Nobody really knows what’s happening – I think it will be by the end of the year.”

He added: “Looking at the provisional plans, we’re really hoping to persuade the developers that they can do what they want and also let us stay here.

“There is a pub across the road, but we’ve got two completely different sets of regulars. Everybody knows everybody and gets on well. We’re very family orientated and there’s no trouble.”

East Dorset CAMRA chairman Andy Brown, who handed over the pub of the season trophy on Saturday, said: “The developers still intend to knock the pub down.

“But we think if they change the layout of the car park slightly then the pub can stay, without affecting any cars or lorries going in.

“It’s a massive shame because the Oak is a brilliant pub and is over 100 years old. It’s well run and has a lovely community feel. It also sells a lot of real ales from local breweries, so they’ll suffer too if it goes.

“Supermarkets like to be seen as being part of the community, so here is a chance to prove it.”

Harry Hudson, spokesman for the developer, said: “Unfortunately the pub is part of the redevelopment. The land has been allocated by the council for retail redevelopment for some time.

“As part of the proposal, we are required to improve the access on Wimborne Road and the Royal Oak land is needed for that. There isn’t any way around it.

We are hoping to come forward with a planning application in a couple of months time and will be having an exhibition through North Bournemouth Area Forum.”