A PUB company is clearing up a popular Darwen watering hole that was 'left in an unfit state by the previous tenant' to get it ready for re-opening.

Rumours have been circulating on social media after the Golden Cup shut suddenly last week.

Now officials from Thwaites have announced their plans for the popular Blackburn Road pub.

A spokesperson for Thwaites said: “The pub was abandoned with no notice given to us and sadly it was left in a condition that was unfit for any other landlord to trade, so we have had to close whilst it’s cleaned up.

“The pub will reopen and we are in conversations to make that happen as soon as we can – hopefully by next weekend.

“We love the Golden Cup and have every intention of maintaining it as an integral part of the local community.

“We can only apologise to anyone who has been inconvenienced while it has been closed but we assure you it has a good future ahead as a great local pub.”

Cllr Jacqueline Slater, who represents the Blackburn South and Lower Darwen ward, said: “The Golden Cup is a community asset and we need to get it open again as soon as possible.

“I had not been told that it had been left in a state and I cannot believe that someone would leave it like that.

“It has always been a busy pub and was well used on days of football matches.

“There are not that many pubs that just serve alcohol as the Hungry Horse pub nearby serves food.

“Then Uncle Jack’s pub has also closed so it should be good for trade.

“It is good that Thwaites are going to clean it up and it may have a different look by the end of it.

“But they should not have to clear it.”

Mark Briggs, the Lancashire Telegraph’s Pub expert said: “This is not something you hear about in Lancashire where someone has just left the pub overnight.

“It will have come as a bit of a shock and a blow to the regulars who would have turned up to see that the doors were closed.

“It is a popular pub as it is on the main road into Blackburn and hopefully it can re-open soo.”