A LANDLORD whose pub was engulfed in flames said his business will be closed for a considerable time . Robin Pendle, of The Jockey Inn at Baldock Street, said the fire, which started on the first- floor while he was asleep last Wednesday, has caused exte

A LANDLORD whose pub was engulfed in flames said his business will be closed for a "considerable time".

Robin Pendle, of The Jockey Inn at Baldock Street, said the fire, which started on the first- floor while he was asleep last Wednesday, has caused extensive structural and smoke damage.

The fire took 36 firefighters six hours to put out.

Mr Pendle said: "The fire burned through the first-floor and dropped down into the bar and then spread through to the ceiling.

"I'm fed up. It's not a good start to the new year."

Structural engineers are due to visit Mr Pendle at the pub to establish the extent of the damage.

Meanwhile, he is in regular contact with Punch Tavern, the brewery that owns the pub.

A spokesman for Punch Tavern said: "Following the recent fire at The Jockey Inn we are liaising with the licensee, relevant authorities and its insurers to establish a plan for the future of the pub including the necessary repair works."

Police detectives and Herts Fire and Rescue Service are keeping an open mind as to how the fire started.

They are appealing to the public who may have been in the pub on the night prior to the incident taking place to come forward.

Det Con Sarah Hiorns, from the area crime unit in Stevenage, said: "I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who passed the pub between 2am and 3am on the morning of the fire."

- Anyone with information should call Det Con Hiorns on 01438 757316 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.