A POPULAR Burnley pub which was a regular venue for Clarets fans before and after games has closed after a burglary.

Owners Punch Taverns have shut The Park View on Higgin Road opposite Turf Moor after the incidents during Christmas and windows have been boarded up on the site.

A Punch spokesperson said: “The Park View is unfortunately closed in the short term, following another burglary at the pub. We are actively recruiting a new Publican so that it can re-open as soon as possible.”

On the Park View Facebook page, a statement on January 19 read: “As many customers know we were broken into several time over the Christmas period, the thieves stole everything from copper piping around the boiler to bottles of cordial behind the bar."

Clarets fan Dave Burnley said: “It is very sad to see the pub closed as it is a focal point for every fan at home games.

“I have some great memories and there was a raucous atmosphere after home wins but was a bit more subdued after losses.

“It is so close to the Turf (Moor) so for certain people who wanted to get a drink before the game but did not want to go into town.

“It is always like a knife to the heart when you hear that a pub closes and it is worse there as the Wellington closed and the Yorkshire pub which has been turned into a cafe.

“It will be another venue that will be misses especially when 20 thousand people which are now going to games.

“I think it will be sad news for the older fans who don’t want to go too far from the ground.

“I hope the brewery can get it back open again as soon as possible.”

The 64-year-old believes it could be a good business opportunity.

He said: “How can it not be successful being so close to the ground.

“Any entrepreneur could see it as a viable business acquisition.”

Mark Briggs, the Lancashire Telegraph’s pub expert writer, columnist said: “It has come as a bit of a shock to hear about the recent events that led to the closure of the pub.

“Hopefully everything is all sorted out pretty quickly.

“I hope Punch Taverns can manage to get the situation addressed soon and get a new landlord to take it over soon.

“This is a very popular pub and it is a regular one for the football fans who are going to Turf Moor.”