THE FIRM behind the planned closure of a beloved town centre pub says it is "committed" to the project as the building is set to close for refurbishments.

In January, it was revealed that the Craft Union Pub Company, owned by EI Group PLC, would be shutting The Balmoral, in Bradshawgate, this summer while it is renovated - with landlady Anita Kirkman set to move on after eight years.

A spokesman for Craft Union said the company could not yet confirm when the pub will reopen after work begins but that bosses were "delighted" to be taking over.

They added: "We believe that the British pub plays a vital role in the lives of its customers and our philosophy at Craft Union is to put brilliant pubs back at the heart of local communities.

"We are committed to nurturing this by investing in the pub by ensuring that we retain the tradition and the heritage alongside improving the quality of the community offer with great products at great prices, along with premium sports and entertainment.”

Craft Union has been behind pub renovations in locations across the country.

The company recently announced the opening of its 300th pub, in The Tivoli Tavern, in Grimsby, which opened its doors last week after a £130,000 refurbishment project.