A Waterfoot pub that has been closed for five months could be turned into flats if a planning application is approved by the council.

The Jolly Sailor pub, in Booth Road, closed in February, after it was reportedly losing £2,000 each month.

In a document submitted to the council by Helen Rawstron, plans have been submitted to turn the pub into four one bedroom flats.

The application states The Jolly Sailor is not a viable commercial business, haemorrhaging thousands of pounds each month.

It says: “The Jolly Sailor, along with scores of others in the Valley which have closed, has not been viable as a commercial enterprise and as such has closed.

“The outgoings for this pub have been averaging £5,000 a month, with the incomings between £3,000 and £3,500.

“The applicant/owner of The Jolly Sailor also owns Ye Old Boot and Shoe, the adjacent pub.

“It is hoped that without having two pubs in such close proximity, they can make a successful and profitable business from the one enterprise for years to come.”

The plans, which were submitted in June, are still being considered by the council.

Staff members and punters were sad to see the venue close.

One worker, Maddy Roberts, said: “A big thank you to everyone for making working and living at the Jolly an amazing experience met some amazing people through the years and it’s sucks that we have to leave.

“I want to thank every person who has been kind and helped the business through the past couple of years and never failing to put a smile on our faces.”

One customer said: “Since I moved over here it's been my local and I've had some great nights in there. I'm absolutely gutted. It's a sad day."