A PUB company has confirmed that the Woodcutters Arms, in Leigh, is to let.

The Echo reported the licence holder had left the premises, forcing its closure on Thursday, February 6.

It is understood to have been over a row about an annual gypsy event, which was planned to take place on February 19, at the pub, in Eastwood Road North.

This was cancelled and the licence holder left, meaning the pub could not legally trade, leaving staff and the resident above the pub with no job or home.

A spokesman for Enterprise Inns, who was not available for comment at the time the Echo went to press with the first report, said: “We can confirm the publican served us with a notice to quit in accordance with the terms of their tenancy agreement and therefore the pub is available to let.”

Ward councillor Stephen Aylen said: “People seem glad it’s not going to happen, but any event which brings people into the area is a good thing.

“This event was a tradition which went right back to 1863 and involved local people.

“It really took off in the early 1900s when there was horse and trap racing and dog racing.

“There have been concerns about this pub’s reputation more recently.

“The pub is on a big, prime site and I wonder if the company that owns it may have other plans for it.”

However Enterprise would say nothing further about the pub or its future.