The sign appeared at the Brunshaw Hotel in Brunshaw Road advertising the pub for sale as a development opportunity, despite still being open for business.

Landlord Mr Richard Smith, who has been at the pub for 15 months, said he does not know what plans the owners, Enterprise Inns, have. "I think they'll see what offers they get before they make any decisions. That's as much as I know."

But Mr Smith said the pub, like others in town, has suffered from a drop in sales. "Sales have gone down a bit, but it has not been as bad as a lot of places. People have got less cash, but prices going up is part of it. Everything is going up in price."

Mr Smith said if the pub closed it would affect many people. "It's a good pub and a lot of people would be sad to see it go. The pub is a part of a lot of people's lives and has been for a long time. Most of the people who come in here are regulars, but we get some passing trade as well. We'll just have to carry on until something happens."

A spokeswoman for Enterprise Inns confirmed the pub is for sale with agents Nolan Redshaw. The Brunshaw Hotel opened in 1966 and over the years has won awards for the quality of its food, drink and service.