There are fears that an Oldham town centre bar could be closing within weeks.

Harry's Bar on Yorkshire Street opened its doors to Oldhamers in the summer of 2015, having taken over a previous popular drinking spot to bring a fresh line-up of entertainment - from live music and comedy nights to pub quizzes and karaoke. 

But fears have since emerged that the venue will be closing its doors for good as of January 9 next year.

Nothing official has been shared by the bar on social media. 

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Despite several attempts to contact the bar, bosses did not respond to the concerns when asked by The Oldham Times.

While it remains unclear if Harry's Bar will close in the New Year, residents have been left to speculate what has or will happen to the premises.

On social media, one resident said: "I've just been told Harry's is shutting down on January 9th and they've had three weeks notice to pack up."

Many fear the building could be used as a house in multiple occupation (HMO) or chicken takeaway, however, there have been no planning applications or indication of this happening at the time of writing.

Another said they felt sorry for the landlords who may have been struggling to keep the business afloat amid the cost-of-living crisis, and for the staff potentially losing their jobs after Christmas.

A former staff member who worked in the building "around 35 years ago" said they "loved it" while another bartender said: "It was the best".

But others said they were "very surprised" the bar stayed open "as long as it has".

Discussing the potential closure on Nextdoor, two residents said they heard the news.

"I know a lot of people ain't happy about the closure", another said.

Residents referred to The Special's song, Ghost Town, to refer to the high volume of pubs and restaurant closures in recent weeks.

Another wrote: "Oldham was a mint place. It's lost its identity and it's having the heart and soul ripped out of what used to be a great, happy, busy friendly town.

"So sad. Soon there will be nothing left.

"Coliseum gone for no reason, markets going, Royal Oak last week, it's like a race to f*** the place up."

When contacted by The Oldham Times earlier this month, Harry's Bar declined the opportunity to comment until it had concrete details but suggested it would issue its own notice.

Harry's Bar has not responded to further requests to comment on the matter.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.