A PUB in the ‘heart of a community’ has shut.

The Hamilton Arms, in Hollin Street, Blackburn, was put up for sale by Admiral Taverns in March last year, but it has now recently closed for business.

Pictures show the pub boarded up with a ‘for sale’ sign up at the front of the building.

Ewood councillor Maureen Bateson said worried residents had been asking about its future.

She said: “I saw the pub boarded up with a for sale sign up when I passed it the other week.

“I was asked by The Ewood Community Association, which is made up of residents from Exeter Street, who meet up regularly every month at Ewood Park, about the future of the pub and who owned it.”

“So it’s a shame to now see it closed.”

Cllr Bateson said a number of pubs have closed down in the area over the years.

She said: “The area used to be thriving with pubs but unfortunately a lot have shut in recent years.

“The Hamilton is quite a small pub and there is only so much residents can afford in an area like this.

“There is a small housing estate nearby but there isn’t a lot of housing, so it doesn’t have a massive draw from residents.

“There is a pub nearby called Havelock Inn which always seems to be very busy and popular, and one so close by with the competition it brings can be difficult.

“But it’s been a popular pub over the years so it is sad to see it close, as all pubs are community hubs at the heart of a community, a place to meet friends and family and have a drink.”

James Lee Newton, of the Blackburn Nightlife group said his ‘heart went out’ to the community that used to drink in there.

He said: “I’ve been in there once or twice and a few of my family members went in there.

“My heart goes out to the community that used to drink there.

“It will be a very sad loss. Hopefully it will be reignited back to its original use.”

A spokesman for Admiral said: “We confirmed our decision to sell the Hamilton Arms some time ago.

“The pub has been marketed for sale since March 2017 and was recently closed for business.

“Interested parties should contact Admiral Taverns.”

The pub has been advertised for sale on the Admiral website at a guide price of £125,000.