SADDLEWORTH communities have been rocked by the surprise closure of two landmark roadside pubs.

The landlord of The Swan Inn stunned locals in Dobcross when he announced at the weekend he was calling time on the pub he had only taken over last year.

Bearded Huw Kendray flagged up the closure in a post on social media saying: "So guys this weekend is the last weekend the Swan will be open until further notice! Come in to enjoy our final weekend."

The news was greeted with concern by villagers many of whom belong to clubs and organisations who used the ancient pub as a social hub and meeting place.

The pub remained closed at the start of this week with a blind drawn over its front door window and lights turned off.

Earlier, calls made to the pub seeking a return call from the landlord remained unanswered.

Mr Kendray took over the historic pub last year from Tim Newbold and Michael Powis after a five-year tenure in which they turned it into a mecca for entertainment alongside retaining its village atmosphere.

The pub is owned by the brewers Marston’s and their spokesperson said: “We are currently in on-going discussions with the current tenant.

“However, we can assure that there are no plans to close and we will work to keep the pub at the heart of the community.”

Meanwhile, the Three Crowns Inn at Huddersfield Road, Scouthead, remains closed.

Ray Hicks, Saddleworth’s longest serving pub landlord, called last orders for the final time at roadside hostelry after 40 years.

The announcement was made on social media by his wife Sue, a mother of two, who told shocked customers: “It is with deep regret and sadness we have closed.

“We would like to thank our dedicated staff and loyal customers for their support over the last 40 years. Please respect our privacy.”

Mr Hicks, aged 68, who had a distinguished career as a top flight professional rugby league player with Oldham and later Keighley, said: “We had very loyal and respected customers plus tremendous a staff.

"We have always valued the Three Crowns traditions and it’s been very humbling to be at the heart of the community and receive so many genuine good luck messages.”

Joan Sykes, chair of the Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group, used the pub as a social hub for coffee mornings and other charity fundraising events.

“Ray and Sue are a big part of our community and their support over the years has been fantastic.”

A spokesperson from Ei Publican Partnerships said: "We are currently in contact with the publican at the Three Crowns and would like to reassure the local community that we aim to reopen the pub as soon as possible.”