Could Chatburn pub re-open soon?

The Brown Cow pub and restaurant at Chatburn closed before Christmas, leaving the village with one pub and raising fears among villagers for its future.

Under licensee Mr John Ellis the pub had a good reputation, earning favourable reviews on social media sites such as TripAdvisor.

Chatburn Parish Council has written to Enterprise Inns, the pub’s owners, expressing concern over the closure.

Parish council chairman Mr Paul Whittaker said: “Pubs are an essential part of villages, as much as post offices, churches, schools and libraries. We’re hoping the closure isn’t permanent. It could be a big problem if it stays closed for good.”

Enterprise Inns, the pub’s owners, said they hoped to reopen the pub but could not say when.

“We are currently in discussion with a prospective new publican interested in taking on the Brown Cow and aim to have this great community pub back open and trading at the heart of Chatburn as soon as possible,” they said in a statement.

“We hope that local residents will visit the pub when it reopens to enjoy the new publican’s hospitality and show their support.”