THE future of a popular pub hangs in the balance as its owners announce it is to be sold.

The Bentleywood Farm in Accrington Road, Hapton, is set to be sold off by national pub chain, Harvester.

The pub lies near junction nine of the M65 and serves a variety of breakfast, lunch and tea dishes.

A spokesman on behalf of Harvester said the business is being sold as a ‘going concern’ and its 20 employees would remain at the site and be transferred over to the new owner.

Cllr Alan Hosker, who represents the area on Burnley Council, said he was excited to see how the pub will turn out.

He said: “The pub has always been very busy and has always brought people in, even before it was a Harvester.

“I think it will be good for the area and I hope the new owners can do something as good if not better.

“I will be looking forward to seeing how it turns out and its good to see the pub isn’t closing down, as that would have been such a shame.

“I’m pleased the 20 members of staff are not losing their jobs.

“We need pubs to stay open as they provide a lot of joy for people and help towards the economy.”

The pub reopened in 2008 and was one of the first Harvester pubs in East Lancashire.

Rumours had spread the pub was closing down, however Harvester confirmed this was not the case.

The pub company could not confirm how much the pub was being sold for or who its new owners would be.

The Harvester’s last day of trade will be Monday, July 31.

Comment on behalf of the Bentley Wood Farm Harvester: “We constantly review our estate and from time to time take the decision to sell a business.

“We can confirm we are selling the Harvester Bentley Wood Farm and are currently in consultation with the team.”

“I can confirm, the team will be transferring to the new owner, as the business is being sold as a going concern.

“We have around 20 employees at the site.”