Bailiffs move in on struggling Farrars

CLOSED . . . The Farrars Arms

BAILIFFS closed a landmark pub last night after it ran into financial difficulties.

The familiar green front door of The Farrars Arms in Greenfield is now locked shut with its future uncertain.

The pub, which belongs to a company, is run by Karen Broadbent and Melanie Lord who took over 19 months ago.

Karen said: “We have been losing between £500 and £1,000 a week.

“Melanie and I have both been flogging away at the business — we have never ever stopped working. But the more we traded the more we seemed to get into debt.

“We have had tremendous support from the locals who are devastated by the news. In truth, we are all still in a state of shock.”

The duo recently attended a meeting over opening arrangements during today’s brass band concerts. Now, it is not an issue.

“We don’t know what will happen until we meet the pub’s area manager next week but we won’t be opening today,” added Karen.

The closure means two Saddleworth pubs will now miss out on what is their busiest day of the year as the bands come to town.

Yesterday, the landlord at the Hare and Hounds in Uppermill decided to shut up shop for the contests over security issues.

Added Karen: “We have completely refurbished the inside of the pub and we have been offering great meal deals.

“We have tried everything to keep going.”