A BIRTLE pub is losing thousands of pounds worth of trade because people think it is shut due to the foot and mouth crisis.

A "no entry" sign posted close to the Church Inn has led would-be patrons to mistakenly believe the pub is a no-go area.

But the notice refers to a nearby bridleway which has been shut due to access restrictions.

Now, Church Inn landlord Patrick Gerard has been forced to put up his own sign telling visitors that the pub is open for business.

"There are signs close by telling people to keep off," said Mr Gerard, who has run the popular semi-rural watering hole for the last 13 months.

"Unfortunately, people believe the restrictions refer to the pub and they haven't been coming here."

He added: "I've been forced to scrap my cabaret night and people have been cancelling bookings they had made. I'm losing thousands of pounds a week."

Mr Gerard contacted Bury Council, which put up the signs, but was told it was up to people to use their common sense.