The manager of a popular pub has scotched rumours that his watering hole is up for sale and in financial difficulties.

Luke Pullen, 25, who is in charge of the Gamecock pub, in Vale Road, Worcester Park, said claims made by pub campaigner, June Fraser, that the pub is under threat are incorrect as the pub is doing well and his lease is protected until 2023.

Earlier this week Ms Fraser, who is running a campaign to save the Worcester Park tavern, which remains closed, posted on our website: "Now another local pub, the Gamecock, is under threat.

"The freehold is up for auction on 20th May and paperwork I have seen today says the site is prime for property development.

"This is an important local community pub, the only one on the estate. It is running at a loss under the Spirit group, I will be fighting for this pub too."

Your Local Guardian:

Mr Pullen said a sign at the front of the pub which says "long-term investment opportunity"- but also states "business unaffected" - may have caused the confusion.

He said: "The freehold of the land is up for sale and will be auctioned on May 20 - not the leasehold.  There is a protected lease for the pub until 2023.

"The pub isn’t under threat.  The only thing that could happen is the new owner could offer to buy the leasehold too.  But there’s not a chance I would sell it - not even if we were talking millions of pounds."

Mr Puller said that far from making a loss, the Gamecock has already made £40,000 profit so far this year.

"Its’ business as usual.  We’re still taking bookings for next year," he added.

The pub re-opened after a £150,000 refurbishment last February with new decor, furniture and a refurbished bar.