A LANDLORD has warned that closure of a moorland road could force his pub to shut after custom fell by 75 per cent.

John Jacks, of the Crown and Thistle, said that despite only running the pub for two weeks, he may be forced to rethink his position because of the severe effect the temporary closure of Blackburn Road has had.

Former landlady Edna Russell left the pub earlier this month after raising concerns about the six-week road closure which began on January 16 to allow for repairs to Wayoh Bridge and drainage work.

Council bosses say the work is essential and has been arranged for January because there is less traffic.

But Mr Jacks, 55, who also runs a pub in Lancaster, said custom at the pub, which lies on the Roman Road between Blacksnape and Edgworth, had been hit by the lack of passing trade.

He said: "We've only been open two weekends. The first was busy, then this weekend, after the road was closed, it was dreadful. It was a nightmare. There would normally be around 180 people ordering food on a Sunday but we only made meals for 43. That's a quarter of normal business.

"I think the previous landlady was thinking about moving on and when she realised the road was going to be closed, she felt she couldn't continue.

"We have committed ourselves to the pub but if things get desperate, it may have to close while they find someone else to run it."

The road closure is expected to last until February 26.

Coun Andy Kay said: "While we cannot prevent the work from having an impact on the local community, it will not be as severe as it would at alternative times. Not doing the work could lead to problems in the long term.