Historic pub's shock closure

HISTORIC Warrington pub the Blackburne Arms closed today after its owners removed its licence.
Landlord Mark Moran and his wife Louise had no option but to close the doors at the Orford Green pub.
But Mark was optimistic that it would be open again in a few days.
He was today having talks with his solicitor about challenging owners Enterprise Inns in the High Court.
The closure shocked locals, who have flocked back to the pub in recent months after Mark and Louise succeeded in a major transformation – turning it back into a friendly, community pub after years of it being a trouble spot labelled as a drugs den.
The couple say they have sunk £120,000 of their own money into reviving the pub.
They took court action to fight a notice to quit issued by Enterprise – but lost.
But they were not expecting to be forced to close immediately.
Regulars formed an action group, Friends of Blackburne Arms, to support the couple. They are furious at what has happened and say they will follow Mark and Louise to any pub they move to.
Members of the pub staff have said they will quit rather than work for Enterprise Inns.
According to rumour, Enterprise plan to put in a management company to run the Blackburne Arms as a gastro pub. But locals doubt if such a venture would be successful.
Enterprise Inns have been unwilling to comment on the situation.
The Blackburne Arms is a Grade 2 listed building and was once a lodge belonging to the former Orford Hall.
Pictured: The Blackburne Arms and (right) the closed sign on the door.