ONE of St Helens town centre's largest pubs has shut down again.

The Running Horses on Chalon Way closed its doors after a year of trading under Lancashire-based independent company Green Leisure.

Notices placed on the doors and windows of the venue confirmed the pub had ceased trading.

The closure follows weeks of speculation about the venue's future.

The Star had been unable to get a response from the owners within this period.

The Running Horses had previously been a Wetherspoons venue under the same name until the strains of Covid led the national chain to cut back on its number of pubs in November 2021.

Green Leisure announced last year it had a lease for the venue, which started life as a Chicago Rock back in 2001.

But attempts to resurrect the venue at a time when the cost of living crisis has tested hospitality venues and left the St Helens night-time economy facing big challenges appear to have proven unsuccessful.

It is the latest large venue in the town to close.

The statement on the door said the Running Horses had "ceased trading with immediate effect".

The notice added that all enquiries concerning the closure should be directed in writing to Manchester-based Shacter, Cohen & Bor on Sackville Street in Manchester. Emails can be sent to: reception@shacter-cohen-bor.com.

Th e statement adds that all cash and stock have been removed from the premises.