A TOWN centre bar has closed with its owner saying he had ‘no option’ in the current economic climate.

The seven staff at Number Fifteen in Fazakerley Street, Chorley, were told on Monday the bar would be shutting with immediate effect.

Some of the workers are expected to be offered jobs at other pubs run by the bar’s owners, The Yesteryear Pub Company, but some may be made redundant.

Tony Callaghan, of the Yesteryear Pub Company, said: “Yesteryear would like to thank all its customers and staff for their support of Number Fifteen, Chorley.

“It is with great regret but we have had no option but to close this bar from Monday, March 16.

“The other bars in the group are not affected.”

On Monday afternoon staff could be seen clearing out the bar, with some stock being transported to the nearby George pub on St Thomas’ Road, which also belongs to Yesteryear.

Samantha Gent, who has been manager since September 2008, said that the bar had introduced offers and promotions but current trade had not been enough to keep the bar open.

She added: “It’s a real shame that this decision has been taken as all the staff have worked very hard for Number Fifteen to succeed.

"But if it’s not making money then hard choices have to be taken.

“Some of the staff have been offered jobs elsewhere within the group, but some will be made redundant.”

Mr Callaghan, who met with staff from the bar on Tuesday morning, added: “Number Fifteen was a big investment in a new build development when we opened it.

"I hope whoever takes over the lease keeps it as a bar or a restaurant because it is a great space and location.”

Customers arriving at the bar on Monday, responded to the closure by saying the bar would be a sad loss to the town centre.

Harold Phillips said: “It was very good and reasonable food and was a relaxing place to go for lunch.

"It’s a shame that such a building will now be empty.”