Pub sold but 'no plans' to close it

Contracts have been exchanged and The Firs will be under new ownership

The owner of a Black Country pub has said it remains open despite fears it could close.

Staff and customers had expressed worry that The Firs in Wolverhampton, part of the community since the 1950s, faced an uncertain future.

One employee told the Express & Star newspaper staff were gutted by sale plans that had come as a surprise.

But Owner Marston's Brewery said that while it could confirm it was selling the venue, it was not aware of any plans for the doors to shut.

"The sale has not completed and we understand the plan is for it to continue to operate as a pub," a spokesperson said.

Marston's added it was approached by someone interested in the site and it had exchanged contracts with a buyer.

The brewery said current staff members were still working.

"The team at the pubs are employed by the current operator who is a self-employed retailer," the spokesperson explained.

Marston's said it did not have a date for the sale's completion.