Shock after well-loved Westhoughton pub announces closure

The current landlord of the Wheatsheaf in Market Street, which has been going since the 1800s, announced it would be holding a farewell party to mark its last day.

The news comes after the building was recently sold to new owners and landlord Mark Sykes said he believes it will be refurbished but will still remain as a pub.

The 35-year-old took over the establishment last year just after the previous landlord Ste Brady died suddenly aged 57.

He said: "It has been a bit of a tough year for us. Steve died quite suddenly and his wife could not take it on.

"So I took it on as it was going to shut down if someone didn't. I took it on temporarily at first and we started doing really well so I stayed on."

Mr Brady was found unconscious at his home in Broad Walk by his wife Christine in the early hours of Sunday, September 24.

Mr Sykes then took over in October, despite being a full-time teacher at Turton School.

The Bolton Road resident had been working at the pub for 17 years as a DJ and as a bar worker.

He was able to carry on his work as a teacher by leaving the manager responsible for the premises during his working hours.

The pub currently employs two full-time members of staff and four part-time workers.

Mr Sykes said: "The owners of the building have now sold it and it has all been taken out of our hands.

"I'm a bit gutted. We have worked really hard to build it up and we are getting busier. We have a lot of clubs coming down including the community groups, fishing clubs, all sorts.

"Everyone is a bit gutted. it is just unfortunate. I just want to thank everyone in Westhoughton and all of our customers for their support. They have all been brilliant."

He said he thinks the pub will be closed for at least a number of months while the work on the building takes place.

The pub will be shutting for the final time on Tuesday night and is aiming to sell its remaining stock. More information can be found on the Wheatsheaf's Facebook page.