New publicans are being sought to take over the running of a much-loved seaside town pub that was once threatened with closure.

This newspaper understands that the current landlady of the White Horse in Church Road, Old Felixstowe - named Carol - is leaving and that the pub's owners Punch Pubs are seeking new publicans.

The current landlady took over in March following the departure of previous publicans David and Amanda Fisher.

READ MORE: Campaigners assured over White Horse pub in Felixstowe

The pub had been the subject of a campaign by Save the White Horse action group to stop it being turned into homes.

In 2021, Punch Pubs submitted plans to tear down the building and replace it with a convenience store with four flats above and two three-bed bungalows in the pub's car park.

However, these plans were rejected by East Suffolk Council planners in June 2022 after a report they received said the proposal would result in the loss of a "valued community facility".

READ MORE: Pub saved from demolition after store and homes plan refused

A poster on the action group's Facebook page has said "a new team" would be taking over the running of the pub on Tuesday next week and the premises would be "fully stocked" with beer and other booze, while there would also be a new menu.

This newspaper has approached the poster and the pub's current landlady for comment.

A Punch Pubs spokesperson said: "We can confirm that we are recruiting new publicans to oversee the long-term success of the White Horse pub in Felixstowe.

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"We encourage anybody interested in this opportunity to contact our recruitment team on 01283 501999."

In March, the pub company pledged to ensure that the "fantastic pub continued to serve the town of Felixstowe and the wider community for many years to come".