The landlords of a popular pub in Feniscowles have announced they are stepping down after just five months.

Darren Heggie and Chris Dilworth were excited to take over their local pub, The Feildens Arms in Preston Old Road, in March.

They spoke about their plans to refurbish the Stonegate Group pub with soft furnishings, new carpet, and doing work on the bar and beer garden space, while maintaining the pub’s character.

Aiming to bring more people through the doors, Darren also wanted to introduce live music on occasions and put in TVs to show sport.

However, Chris and Darren’s time has been cut short as they announced their decision to step down after just five months.

Writing on Facebook, they claimed the refurbishment had not taking place as anticipated and they were leaving. 

Darren wrote: “We would like to thank all the customers who have supported us over the last few months and all the staff who have helped to turn the pub around.

“Our last trading day will be Sunday, August 6.

“Finally we wish the new people taking over the very best of luck and at least the pub will now remain open.”

Darren and Chris operate Blackburn’s Havelock Inn and the Mill Hill Hotel and will continue running the two venues. A new tenant has already been lined up to takeover the pub from next week.

It is the third time this year The Feildens Arms has changed hands as the pub closed its doors after the previous landlady left in February. 

A spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The Feildens Arms has been operated by a temporary tenant who will be departing the premises next week when a new tenant will be taking over.

“The new operators look forward to continuing to provide a welcoming pub for the local community.”

Attempts were made to contact Darren Heggie.