Uncertainty over future of Hartlepool pub as venue closes its doors

The Schooner, in Warrior Drive, Seaton Carew, has ceased trading and the pub chain that owned it has sold the freehold.

About 10 staff are said to have worked at the pub, including some for many years.

A spokesman for Birmingham-based Enterprise Inns said: “We have completed a sale of the Schooner, Seaton Carew, and the freehold for the property has now passed to the purchaser.

“Prior to its sale, the pub was leased to a publican who operated the pub as their own independent business with sole responsibility for its day-to-day running.

“Any outstanding issues relating to the operation of their business should be addressed to them.”

Cleaner Sandra Carter, who had worked there 18 years, said she was only told on what turned out to be her final day.

Diane Howey, another cleaner, had worked there for 10 years.

Mrs Carter said: “The supervisor said this is your last shift, don’t bother coming back next week.

“They have basically walked away from us without giving us any information or letting us know what the next steps are.

“We just feel like they have dropped us and left us with no information.”

The Schooner closed suddenly in January of last year but re-opened under new management in March.

The new managers said on the pub’s Facebook page at the time how they planned to turn it back into a friendly local pub and announced a new menu.

The last tenant could not be reached for comment.