THE last surviving pub in Gisburn will get a major refurbishment if a new tenant is found, the owners have confirmed.

The White Bull Hotel, in Main Street, was established in 1865 and will undergo a complete interior transformation if a new landlord is found within the next few months.

The Grade II listed building, owned by Star Pubs and Bars, was left as the sole pub in the village after the closure of The New Inn, Ribblesdale Arms and The Commercial.

The temporary manager confirmed Star Pubs was looking for a permanent tenant to move into the business as soon as possible.

He also said that the owners were keen to revamp the pub after the new tenant takes over.

Gisburn Parish Council chairman John Falshaw said: “I think it can only be a good thing that the owners are trying to keep the pub open because it has been struggling for the past few years.

“Less and less people are going into the pub each year and it really does need work done to it.

“Major work on the inside has not been done for years and it’s about time someone took the time to sort it all out.

“It’s very important to the village that it stays open, especially after the loss of the village’s other three pubs.”

Star Pubs is aiming to start the refurbishment work early next year alongside the new tenant.

Gisburn resident David Waters said: “The pub is in desperate need of refurbishment work and it would be a massive shame if it was to close.

“It would be a huge loss to the village and when it closed for six weeks a couple of years ago people really did miss it.

“The function room is under used and it has real potential for someone who is willing to take it on.”

A spokesman for Star Pubs and Bars said: “We intend to completely refurbish the White Bull, transforming it into a great pub with letting accommodation offering excellent food.

“The work on the pub will include upgrading the kitchen and refurbishing the letting rooms. The design details are still to be finalised and work will not commence until we have a new lessee on board.

“We are currently talking to a couple of interested parties and would like to commence work in early 2014 subject to planning and any other statutory requirements.”