An old pub in the heart of Royston has been closed while ‘essential works’ are carried out.

The Coach and Horses in Kneesworth Street has been the talk of the town since it was emptied of its stock and boarded up earlier this week.

But the owners, Punch Taverns, insist it is only a temporary closure.

A spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that the Coach and Horses is currently closed.

“Once we have completed some essential works at the pub we hope to have it back open and trading to the community in the near future.

“The pub will trade with a temporary operator until we have successfully recruited a publican for the long term.”

Ian Coburn ran the pub for two years, and said: “I enjoyed my time there and the regulars were a good crowd.”