A pub company has moved to squash rumours it is planning to burn down a Preston pub.
Work has begun on clearing trees on the grounds of the former Sumners pub, a favourite pre-match watering hole for Preston North End fans.
Greene King, who still own the pub in Watling Street Road, Fulwood, said a letter put through doors of nearby properties is a hoax.
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The letter states: “Dear Neighbouring Residence; As you are aware of the (Sumners) closure, the new land owners have decided to hold an “Arson Day” on the 10 August 2018.
“We would advise (Neighbouring Residence) to close their windows around 7.30pm to keep the toxic smoke from entering their homes.
“We take no responsibility of hot embers entering your property nor starting the Arson, this is the responsibility of the new land owners and their decision to hold an Arson Day. Yours sincerely. Greene King Limited.”
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Please be assured this letter is a hoax and was not sent by us.
— Greene King (@greeneking) July 23, 2018
The official Greene King account on Twitter stated: “Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Please be assured this letter is a hoax and was not sent by us.”
The Sumners served its final pint on Friday (20 July) and on Saturday (21 July) work began in its ground to cut down trees on the car park behind the pub.
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A spokesman for Greene King said: “As a leading pub operator and brewer, we are committed to running high quality community pubs.
“To continue investing in our estate, from time to time we have to make the difficult decision to sell a pub and therefore after much consideration we decided to put The Sumners on the market.”
Preston City Council said no planning applications had been lodged for the site at this stage.
What do you think about the future of the Sumners? Let us know in the comments below