MYSTERY surrounds the future of The Coppertops Pub after its sale has been confirmed.

Westbourne Leisure Ltd, in Birmingham, specialises within the licensed trade industry, and is behind the purchase of the "very popular" Dines Green pub- but what the future now holds for it remains unclear.

St John's County Councillor Richard Udall has written to Westbourne, seeking answers for its future use, but has yet to receive any.

He said: "Local pubs are an essential part of any local community.

"The Coppertops has a special place in the hearts of many people; in the past it has been very popular and many people have been loyal local customers.

"Speculation is high that the new owners intend to demolish the pub and convert it into housing.

"The loss of The Coppertops would be a disaster for the local community, we need assurances that in some form and in some way a local pub will be able to remain on the site.

"It may not be the same and we may never recover the glory days of the old Coppertops, but every local community needs a social environment, like a pub, and I hope the new owners can give us some assurances.

"We need to know with some certainty what the future of The Coppertops may be. I hope the new owners can calm nerves and tell us their plans".

Punch Taverns previously owned the pub, in Oldbury Road, and a spokeswoman for the company confirmed they sold the pub to Westbourne "around two weeks ago".

When contacted by your Worcester News, Westbourne declined to comment, further fuelling the speculation.