ONE OF Britain’s biggest pub chains has vowed to reopen a Hampshire watering hole that is famous for its ghostly goings-on.

The sudden closure of the Falcon Inn, Fawley, sparked fears that the 18th century building had joined the long list of pubs in the Waterside area that have called time.

Some villagers turned to social media to voice concern that the pub will end up looking like the former Bridge Tavern at Ipers Bridge.

But Punch Taverns, which has about 3,300 outlets across the UK, has moved to reassure customers that the Falcon’s future is secure.

A spokesman said: “We’re currently completing repair work to ensure the pub is safe, legal and compliant.

"We will then look at opening the pub and trading to the local community at the earliest opportunity.”

No details of the proposed improvements have been revealed and the spokesman was unable to say when the pub would reopen.

But not everyone in the Fawley area will be pleased to see it back in business.

One villager, who asked not to be named, said customers included people who had been barred from other watering holes.

He also complained about the huge number of discarded cigarettes and empty beer cans that often littered the pavement outside the premises.

The villager added: “The Falcon used to be a nice place but it’s gone downhill and everyone I’ve spoken to is pleased that it’s closed.

“However we don’t want it to end up looking like the Bridge Tavern, which closed a while back and is all boarded up.

"It’s endured a lot of vandalism and is beyond the point of no return.”

Built in the 1700s, the pub is said to be haunted by its first landlord, Mr Waterman, who died after being hit by a horse and carriage.

At least one ghost hunt has been held at the pub in a bid to learn more about Mr Waterman and several other spirits that are said to inhabit the premises.

In 2009 the Falcon was being run by Sally Jackson, who said Mr Waterman was a friendly ghost who appeared to like using the fruit machine.

“I remember turning it off before going to bed and then coming down the next morning to find it had bee turned back on,” she said.

“Mr Waterman is the talk of the bar and always has been.”

Several other pubs in the Fawley area have either been demolished or converted into convenience stores.

Casualties include the Hampshire Yeoman at Blackfield and the Flying Boat Inn at Calshot.

However, the Jolly Sailor at Ashlett Creek is still trading.