THE would-be boss of an historic pub has been left gutted after being told it is to be sold.

The George, in Eastcott Hill, believed to be among the oldest in Swindon, shut down in spring and has been left boarded up ever since.

John Doyle stepped in and agreed to take it over and reopen it as a traditional English real ale pub in July.

He spent thousands on new decor and furniture, but stands to be left out of pocket because pub owner, Enterprise Inns, now intends to sell it on the open market.

This means it could ultimately turn into flats or anything else, spelling the end for the 19th-century pub.

Mr Doyle, 47, of Corsham Road, Penhill, and the owner of the Queens- field, said: “I’ve got everything ready to go.

“Basically I thought because it’s the oldest pub in the town I’ll keep it as a traditional pub. I’ve got more than £3,000-worth of equipment to go in there.

“I’ve done a business plan, I had the money to take the tenancy on, agreed what the rent was going to be, and they’ve come back and decided they’re going to sell it. I’m left with all this furniture, and nowhere to go.

“I’m absolutely gutted. I’ve had people on my back asking: when are you going to open? I don’t mean a couple of people, I mean hundreds.

“As far as I knew we were going ahead.

“The frustrating part is everyone wants that pub open. Everywhere I go people know I’m going for it. If it’s not going to be a pub, what’s it going to be?”

He had been thinking about changing the name of the pub to the Eastcott, but had decided to keep it as The George after all.

He believes that alongside the Southbrook Inn, in Southbrook Street, The George is the town’s oldest bar.

Among the items he bought were a billiard table and a number of 45- gallon brandy barrels to turn into tables.

Ward councillor Stan Pajak (Lib Dem, Eastcott) said he is aware that there were two potential buyers for the site, and the likely use was not as a pub, but he could not say much more at the moment.

“It’s sad. We were all hopeful it was going to go. Unfortunately it’s not to be because Enterprise is very keen to get rid of its pubs which is a sad reflection of pubs across the country,” he said.

“Obviously we all want to keep these assets in the community, without a doubt. Nobody wants to see pubs close.”

In a statement, Enterprise Inns said: “Enterprise can confirm the George at Eastcott is for sale on the open market.

“We haven’t put any restrictions on it not to be a pub.”