THE management of a Darwen pub that has been put up for sale have quashed rumours that it is to close imminently.

The Black Horse, in Redearth Road, is being sold by owners Star Pubs and Bars.

An asking price of £125,000 has been set for the pub, which is being sold by Leeds firm James A Baker Property Consultants.

But responding to widespread rumours, the management of the pub said it would remain open for the foreseeable future.

A spokesman for the pub’s bosses said: “I want to confirm that the Black Horse is not closing imminently.

“If you have been informed of this, it is a blatant lie which has been passed on to undermine the pub’s management team.”

Previously, a spokesman said: “After several weeks of communication, the brewery has decided to sell our favourite watering hole, thus removing it from its portfolio. The recent £160,000 investment in the Craven Heifer was the final death knell for our pub.

“We are to remain in charge for the foreseeable future.

“Please continue to support us during the final duration of our tenure.”

A spokeswoman for Star Pubs and Bars said the firm, formerly known as Scottish and Newcastle, was looking to invest in its properties that are better equipped to sell food.

She said: “As part of a continuous review of our pub estate, the decision has been made to sell the Black Horse in Darwen as it no longer fits with the company’s long-term business strategy.”

Last month, the firm reopened The Butler’s Arms in Pleasington, Blackburn, after a £125,000 refurbishment to increase its capacity for food.