Pub landlords announce closing date - and say "it's not through choice"

Plus: Illegal deer hunting prompts nature reserve patrols

Good morning and welcome to this week’s Ashfield News. This week’s top stories: A village pub announces its closing date, a large cannabis factory is shut down, and Ashfield District Council is set to demolish and redevelop the Northern Depot.

We also wanted to make an announcement. Due to time commitments, Ashfield News will now be published once a week as the paid Monday edition instead of the previous twice-weekly service. We’re sorry we can’t continue the same schedule, and we want to thank you all for your support so far. You can keep getting your weekly news roundup for just £4 per month – we hope you’ll continue with us as we bring you the stories that matter across Ashfield.

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Pub landlords announce closing date and say it’s “not through choice”

A pub in Linby is set to close at the end of the month as its current tenants prepare to hand over the keys ahead of a planned refurbishment.

The popular village pub will serve its last pints on Saturday 28 September before shutting its doors for renovation work. It is expected to reopen at a later date under new plans.

In a statement, the team at the Horse and Groom said the decision to leave was “not through choice” and described their departure as “with a very heavy heart.”

They thanked regulars and villagers for the “incredible support” shown during their time running the pub, adding that the sense of community in Linby and the surrounding area was something they would “never forget and always cherish.”

Since taking over the pub, the landlords said the business had been a success, despite “some social media posts stating otherwise.”

The team also shared pride in the transformation of the pub’s courtyard, saying it was only possible thanks to the loyalty and custom of the local community.

“We will be forever grateful,” the statement added.

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Police step up patrols after reports of illegal deer hunting