A BASINGSTOKE pub which closed permanently last year to the dismay of customers has now been put up for sale.

The Beacon, in South Ham, shut its doors for the last time in November, announcing its closure on the pub's Facebook page.

The pub was originally planned to close later in the month, however, vans arrived at The Beacon on the morning of November 12 and the premises was boarded up.

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The Beacon pub in South HamThe Beacon pub in South Ham (Image: Rob Newman)

Questions have been raised by residents since then about what would happen to the building.

Shortly after the closure, rumours in the community indicated that the pub was purchased by housing association, Sovereign, however, a spokesperson for the company previously confirmed that they had not purchased the building.

Now, the pub, which has remained empty for nine months, has been listed for sale on real estate website, Rightmove by property consultants WTS.

The listing is advertised as an opportunity for a 'long lease for sale' or let, it reads: "Large two-storey detached pub located in a densely populated suburban area around two miles southwest of the town centre."

The building features a 'large open plan L-shaped bar/lounge area' with space for 45 guests and a dining area which accommodates a further 40 patrons.

A 'good sized catering kitchen, basement beer store, garden area and private accommodation' are also advertised in the listing as well as 23 car parking spaces.

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It describes the building as 'likely to be of interest to local and regional licensed trade operators and restauranters' although there is 'potential' for alternate use.

A spokesperson for Greene King confirmed the pub was up for sale, saying: "Making the decision to close a pub is never an easy one and we understand this was disappointing news to the local community and our customers over the years.

"We have now placed the site on the market."

The brewery has also failed to explain the reasoning behind the closure, telling the Gazette in a previous statement that 'multiple factors are always considered' and that they are aware it is 'disappointing news'.