The owners of a pub in Ramsbottom are fighting Stonegate brewery after being told their lease would not be renewed.

Samantha Gibbs, who bought The Major pub in Ramsbottom turned the pub around in July 2019 when she arrived with family to find a rat infestation and rotten carpets.

Bury North MP James Daly has raised concerns about Stonegate’s approach.

And on Wednesday a public meeting will take place at the venue in conjunction with the Foundation of British Pubs (FOBP) to discuss what can be done to fight back against the brewery’s decision.

When Samantha and her family arrived, The Major had to have pipes and wallpaper replaced and new fridges and freezers installed.

Samantha was able to bring back former regulars and make the pub a hub for football fans and Woodbank JFC, receiving good reviews and being financially successful.

Despite this, she was told her lease would not be renewed and she says she was not given any evidence of poor performance.

Samantha said: “I’ve got a real passion for hospitality, and I make sure I know my customers well and I know them by name.

“However, we have uprooted and tried to make the pub better, and through no fault of our own, we’ve been mistreated.

Samantha says the brewery has refused to help with rotting carpets and improving the men’s toilets.

Nick Martin, of Woodbank JFC, added: “It would be such a shame to see Samantha go after she has made such a difference to the community.”

A spokesman for the Stonegate Group said, “The Major has been operated on a one year tenancy agreement by tenants Samantha and Christian Gibbs following prior negotiations that included the option of a longer term agreement which was refused at the time.

“Within the agreement a notice period of three-months is required which we have now exercised in order to put in place a longer term tenant.”