Blackpool's 'Pub of the Year' was forced to temporarily close its doors after storm-force winds twice wrenched festive illuminations and loosened sections of bricks in the walls of the building.

The damage to the pub -- which is owned by Squires Gate ward councillor, Cllr Robert Wynne -- was first spotted on November 17 during a routine safety check by Blackpool Council on behalf of the contractors who had earlier put up the lights.

A number of the bricks securing the weighty electrical cords had been pulled loose during strong gales causing a hazard to pedestrians.

After calls from the council, contractors fixed the lights to another area of the building's exterior but -- following a second safety inspection last Thursday -- were again found to have ripped out the bricks leaving the public at risk for the second time in a week and forcing the venue to close briefly.

A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: "The illuminations in this particular area were installed by external contractors.

"On a regular inspection it was noticed that a brick had come loose so the decision was made to move the fitting to another part of the wall.

"Unfortunately the same problem then occurred in the alternative position so it was decided that the fixture should be removed."

The council erected safety barriers to cordon off the venue -- which was named the resort's 'Pub of the Year' in January -- while sub-contractors carry out repairs to the building. The pub's licensee declined to comment.