By Pamela McGowan

Last updated at 11:33, Monday, 17 September 2012

A well-known pub will remain open despite the current licensees leaving.

The Sportsman in Heads Lane, Carlisle, is being run by temporary managers after the previous landlord handed in his notice.

But Punch Taverns, which owns the city centre pub behind House of Fraser, said it has new licensees lined up.

A spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that the previous licensee at the Sportsman provided their notice within the agreed notice period. Plans are in place for a local couple to become the new licensees and reposition the pub back to its thriving self. We remain committed to keeping the pub open and serving the local community.

“Currently the pub has temporary management operating on behalf of the new licensees, who are due to go into the pub in October.”

Until last summer the Sportsman was run by Anne and Keith Bagnall for nearly 40 years. The couple took over in 1974 and Anne eventually retired in August 2011.

First published at 11:26, Monday, 17 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk