AN EMPTY town centre pub looks set to secure a new leaseholder - but a real ale group fears for its long-term future.

The Bull, in Bracknell High Street, has been closed since former owner Neil Ellis, who was also a town councillor, left in September. It is believed he gave up the post because of business ties in Southampton.

Amy Dolphin, spokeswoman for Enterprise Inns, which owns the premises, said The Bull has been given a bit of a revamp over the last few months.

She added: "Following the departure of the former publican, The Bull has been closed for statutory repair works.

"It is our intention for The Bull to resume trading as soon as possible. We are actively recruiting a new publican to take the pub business forward and we look forward to seeing The Bull return for shoppers and local residents." She confirmed the pub had at least two interested parties and completing the final stages - which includes securing a new leaseholder and the pub reopening - should be 'imminent'.

But Nick Boley, chairman of CAMRA south east, did not seem confident about the pub's future and said: "I've lived in Bracknell for 23 years and The Bull was usually empty on the evenings I ventured in."