WORK is underway to revamp a popular pub four months after it abruptly shut its doors.

The Ship, in New Road, Leigh, suddenly closed in March.

A Facebook post at the time suggested the closure may not be permanent – which explains the building work going on at the moment.

A interim possession order attached to the door, which was issued by Southend County Court reads: “All persons in occupation of The Ship Inn Public House must vacate the premises within 24 hours of this order.”

It is not known when the notice was put up, and whether it relates to the landlords or squatters who may have moved in since the sudden closure.

A yellow skip can be seen outside the the boarded-up Ship and upstairs windows have been left open – with renovation work taking place inside.

A Cubbit Theobald Construction worker, who was at the site yesterday, said: “I believe they’re just doing it up, back into what it was before.

“We’re just doing the accommodation, they will be getting someone else in to do the refurbishment of the pub.”

Locals hope the 189-year-old pub doesn’t follow in the footsteps of its neighbour, The Bell Hotel, which is being transformed into flats.

One Leigh resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I’ve been in there a few times over the years, they often held Jazz nights which seemed to be successful. I guess the business wasn’t great and they were forced to close.”

Banners advertising function space and sports channels are still on display outside.

Back in March, the Ship Facebook page posted: “Due to unforeseen circumstances the Ship is currently shut. Thank you for everything and we wish you all good luck in the future.”

The landlady, Sarah Jane Stanton later revealed that she had no choice but to close the pub. All she was quoted as saying was: “It was very sudden, and unavoidable. I didn’t have time let people know – but my children come first.”

She pledged that all the deposits paid for events at the pub would be returned.

It is almost certain to reopen once new management has been appointed.

The pub opened in 1828 and over the years has played major role in the life of Leigh – and, until only recently, had been the venue for popular music nights.

A former landlady, Val Bates, who is still active in the area organising charity fundraising events, hit the national newspaper headlines with her determination that the pub celebrated St George’s Day.