THE Grant Arms, which once boasted TV stars Philip Middlemiss and Gary Webster as directors has gone into voluntary liquidation.

Market Place Ltd, who run the refurbished hotel and function complex in Ramsbottom town centre, blame poor trading conditions for the move.

Until recently, the company had Coronation Street Middlemiss, who plays Des Barnes, and Minder star Gary Webster as directors. However, work commitments resulted in both actors pulling out of the company earlier this year.

Both men ploughed money into a massive refurbishment of the historic inn and were occasionally seen helping to pull pints behind the bar.

Current director Mr Brian Hafferty confirmed this week that the Market Place Ltd company was in voluntary liquidation but stressed that both Mr Middlemiss and Mr Webster were no longer involved.

"Both Philip and Gary resigned their directorships with Market Place Ltd some months ago. Yet they still have an interest in the Grant Arms and attend functions as the people who have been involved in the business are close, personal friends.

"The current company directors made the decisions to go into voluntary liquidation with extreme reluctance. Poor trading conditions have left us with absolutely no option."

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