OWNERS of a popular restaurant and bar have spoken of their devastation at having to close after a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus.

Bosses at the Spread Eagle in Mellor posted on their social media platforms on Monday, saying they had been left with no choice but to remain closed this week after a member of the team contracted covid-19.

Over the weekend the pub announced they would close for a deep-clean but had planned to re-open tomorrow, Wednesday. 

They have now confirmed they will remain closed until next week.

A statement released by the venue states that several employees have had to self-isolate as a result, leaving them with a heavily depleted staff base.

A heartfelt apology was issued to all of those who had booked in for a meal at the East Lancashire establishment.

A spokesman said: “Following the news this previous weekend of members of our team testing positive for covid 19, this has resulted in self-isolation amongst the team and us currently having a heavily depleted staff.

“This has left us with one of the hardest decisions we have had to make as a family throughout the pandemic, to keep our high standards of food and service we have been left with no alternative but to remain closed for this week also.

“We are devastated and so sorry to let those of you down who are booking in and looking forward to your visit.”

Details of how to rebook a table or make a new reservation for later this month can be found on the restaurant’s website and social media page