MYSTERY surrounds the sudden closure of a popular village pub.

Baffled regulars are still asking why the Cardwell Arms, Chorley Road, Adlington, shut.

It is understood two new licensees took over the pub in mid May but disappeared over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.

Resident disc jockey Brian Parkinson fears he will not spin tracks there any more.

Brian, who worked at the pub for three-and-a-half years, claims locals are shocked.

He said: "The two licensees had only taken over the pub on May 13 and in that time made a big impression with the locals.

"They were looking forward to setting up a big screen television for the World Cup and they also had made arrangements to improve the children's play area."

He added: "They cleaned the pub and even left money for the window cleaner before they left!"

Sunderland-based brewers Vaux ordered the building to be boarded up, but locals say that turned the building into an eyesore. The boards have now been taken down.

Brian is hopeful he can get back his regular Sunday spot: "I hope the brewery can sort something out.

"Villagers will remember the bank holiday for the wrong reasons."

A spokesperson for Vaux said: "We can confirm that the people running the pub have left and we will be reopening the premises as soon as possible."

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