A SUFFOLK pub which was forced to close due to subsidence may not be reopened until the Spring, it emerged today.The Limeburners in Offton had to cease trading in October after heavy rain and a burst water pipe caused its walls to crack.

A SUFFOLK pub which was forced to close due to subsidence may not be reopened until the Spring, it emerged today.

The Limeburners in Offton had to cease trading in October after heavy rain and a burst water pipe caused its walls to crack.

It had been hoped that repair work to replace a wall that had to be demolished as a result of the damage would be finished in time for the pub to re-open in time for the festive period.

However landlord Kirk Bradley said that the doors could remain shut until April.

Mr Bradley said his insurers are in the process of getting a quote for temporary work to get the pub in shape to open in January for reduced numbers.

However this option could be put on hold if the insurance firm decides to wait for work on the street outside to be completed - a move that would make a full repair possible.

Mr Bradley said: “The pub could be shut until March or possibly April.

“It depends on whether the insurance company wants to go ahead with a temporary repair which would mean we could open to limited numbers of around 40 people.

“But seeing as we are usually a very busy pub limiting numbers is not very practical.

Mr Bradley said the pub is currently closed on health and safety grounds because of the demolished wall and lack of a fire door.

He added that his insurance company is covering his wages and those of employees but the situation did not make for a merry Christmas.

He said: “It has affected my Christmas a bit and made it more sombre than usual but we just all have to get on with it because there is nothing we can do about it.”

“We are planning a big grand opening and will put the word out to say we are up and running when that is the case.