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Fans of The Sunflower in Belfast have reacted angrily to suggestions that it could face demolition as part of regeneration plans in the city.

The pub sits within the proposed Northside regeneration scheme - and fears are that it will be a 'fall guy' for the project.

Fans of the pub have taken to Twitter and Facebook in their droves to protest against the proposals.

One said: "Only in NI does a pub win Pub of the Year, then be immediately threatened with closure."

The regeneration of the area would see between Royal Avenue and Carrick Hill transformed with apartments and student halls.

Owner Pedro Donald said: "We'll fight our corner, we've no intention of going anywhere and we'll still be here when they have the wrecking balls outside."

In a statement to the Sunday Life, Northside Regeneration said: "We can confirm that the Sunflower Bar on the corner of Union Street and Kent Street falls within the DSD's redevelopment zone."

They added: "The developers would welcome the opportunity to discuss these outlines plans with the Sunflower bar licensee in due course."

Here's what fans of the pub said on Twitter...