An estate is in danger of becoming a 'concrete jungle' as its final pub is set to close, says one of its councillors.

It is understood that the Moorclose pub, on Newlands Lane, Workington, has been sold by owner Admiral Taverns to retail chain Spar, which already has a shop over the road. It will close in March.

Councillor Denis Robertson has been a regular at the pub for more than 30 years and said it would be devastating for the community to lose its hub.

He is disappointed the pub's regulars were not given the chance to buy the business and turn it into a community pub.

Coun Robertson said: "We've lost the school, the sixth form, the baths and now the hub of the community is going.

"It'd be like another nail in the coffin, it's going to be a concrete jungle.

"I personally think it would be a great idea to turn it into a community pub.

"At present Moorclose is a forgotten part of Allerdale.

"It could have a big knock-on effect for the shops over the road too.

"I'm ashamed to say I'm a councillor because there's nothing I can do, my hands are tied."

Karen Blair, who has been landlady of the pub since 1995, had recently signed a new five-year lease but has since been given six months notice that the pub would close.

She said: "I'm gutted. It's very much a surprise, it'll be a big miss for Moorclose because it's the last one standing. There's going to be nothing left."

Admiral Taverns bought the pub two years ago from Star Pubs and Bars.