A POPULAR country pub looks set to close, despite a petition by locals.

Plans have been submitted by the Weston Castle pub group to convert the Shoulder of Mutton Inn, Green Haworth, into a house.

And now planners at Hyndburn Council have recommended that the proposals be approved. A decision on the future of the venue, which is popular with walkers and musicians, will be made by councillors tomorrow.

Weston Castle has recently acquired the premises.

Boss Ken Turner of Weston Castle, said the pub was losing money and he was only keeping it open for security reasons.

He said: "I purchased it with the specific intention of turning it into a house. As a pub it's had its day. If this planning application is turned down we will close it."

At the Shoulder of Mutton there are pool, darts and dominos teams based at the pub and an annual beer festival draws in visitors each year.

Gary Tallett, who lives in nearby Willows Lane, said the Shoulder of Mutton was the "last real meeting place for local musicians" and the loss of the pub would have an impact on local life.

He said: "People come from all around to visit the Shoulder of Mutton and it would be a real shame if it closes. It is the centre of the community, not just a pub."

The area's other pub, the Red Lion, which was in Willows Lane, closed recently.

Coun Colette McCormack said: "Everyone I speak to says it is such a shame to see it go. Just very recently it was thriving pub and there is such a lot of affection for the place. I hope there is a change of plan."