REGULARS at a Sherwood pub have spoken of their sadness at its impending closure.

The Robin Hood in Mansfield Road shuts its doors on April 19, after a legal battle between managers Beer and Skittles Ltd and owners Punch Taverns.

At a court hearing management team Phil Sambell, Julian Phillips and David Hope claimed they were misled over the venue's beer sales before they took on its lease.

The trio, directors of Beer and Skittles Ltd, alleged that Punch Taverns provided information that suggested the pub was selling 30% more beers and lagers than was the case before they signed the lease three years ago.

After three days of evidence at Nottingham County Court, an out-of-court settlement was reached which will see the pub close while new management is sought.

One regular drinker, who did not want to be named, said: "This is not the case of another failing pub going to the wall. It was a thriving, vibrant community pub which was at the heart of many activities in Sherwood, such as the Sherwood Arts Week and Sherwood Festival.

"It had city council backing for many of these events which are now threatened by its closure.

"There is genuine upset and anger among many people in Sherwood at the loss of what had become a focal point for the community. It promoted live music three nights a week, held comedy and poetry nights and sourced its food from local shops."

The regular said a petition signed by "many hundreds" of local people had been started in protest over the issues surrounding the pub's closure.

Another customer, Jane Bramley, from Sherwood, said: "There is a petition running at present, signed by many people in the area.

"The real losers in all of this will be the community of Sherwood – this is the best public house on the street and who knows what will happen next."

Mr Sambell did not wish to comment on the county court hearing.

He said: "The pub will re-open. There will be a change of tenancy."

He added that Beer & Skittles Ltd would be looking for another new venture elsewhere, and would welcome customers from the Robin Hood.

A Punch Taverns spokeswoman said: "After three days of evidence, Beer & Skittles Ltd, by its directors Messrs Sambell, Hope and Phillips, have withdrawn all allegations of wrong doing by Punch Taverns.

"Punch acknowledges that it is losing good operators, but it has been agreed that the parties will part company and Beer & Skittles will pay Punch an undisclosed sum."

The spokeswoman declined to comment on how long the Robin Hood was likely to remain closed.

Matt Eley, news editor of The Publican magazine, said: "At the moment around 39 pubs close in the UK every week, which can often have a massively detrimental impact on a community. Pubs are not only social hubs but also provide employment and raise hundreds of thousands for local causes every year.

"It is particularly sad when pubs that have been recognised as being particularly well run by their communities are forced to close down."

guy.woodford@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk