Altham pub's future uncertain as parent firm goes into administration (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Altham pub's future uncertain as parent firm goes into administration

8:00pm Monday 14th December 2009 in

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AN HISTORIC pub faces an uncertain future after the national chain which owns it went into administration.

The Walton Arms, Burnley Road, Altham, which is at least 190 years old, is affected along with numerous other Mercury Inn pubs across the country.

Mercury Inns, which runs 10 'high quality dining pubs' and a number of freeholds, was placed under administration following a decision at the Royal Courts of Justice.

The pub, along with four other freeholds, is currently being run by Mercury’s pub management arm, Mercury Liquid Ltd, though other Mercury Inns have been closed for trading during the process.

Administrators are currently appraising the group’s financial position.

Altham councillor Susan Haworth said the news was worying for the area.

She said: “Pubs are so central to the friendliness of a place. It is incredibly sad news.

"Pubs like this are not just places to get a drink but a real place for people to meet and get to know each other.

“It’s a really nice, family place and is the only pub in Altham village.

"As well as losing a gathering place for people to get together and have fun, we would also be losing a piece of the village’s history.

"I can only hope that somebody comes along and takes it over pretty quickly.”

It is not known exactly how old the pub is, though a hostelry is thought to have been at the site from Saxon times when it was on the pilgrimage trail to nearby Whalley Abbey.

Located on what was at one time the coach route between Yorkshire and Lancashire, parts of the existing Walton Arms began life trading as a coaching inn named The Black Bull.

It is thought to have changed names in 1820 as a compliment to the then Lord of the Manor - Mr. R. T. Wroe Walton.