A WELL-known Teesside pub has gone into liquidation, reportedly making all members of staff redundant.

The Swan Hotel, in Billingham, announced on Facebook that Simple Leisure, which runs the business, has gone into liquidation.

It blamed the turmoil of the closures and restrictions in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The pub in Wolviston Road said all members of staff had been made redundant.

The team thanked the public for support over the years, adding: “We truly wish this wasn't our ending.”

The popular venue has been a part of the community in Billingham for decades, first opening in 1940.

More than 200 comments were published under the post in just a couple of hours after the announcement was made, with many people expressing sadness.

The statement on social media says: “It is with great sadness that we are writing this post.

“Unfortunately due to the past years restrictions and closures Simple Leisure has gone into liquidation and all staff have been made redundant.”

It adds that they had tried and failed to get the lease re-assigned.

The statement continues: “This is obviously very disappointing news not only for the whole team at the Swan but for all the people who have functions booked.

“Over the next few days we will be contacting everyone who has a function booked to discuss this.

“You can appreciate this will take time to call everyone .

“(Due to redundancy there will be no one to answer calls so please wait for us to contact you)

“I would like to take this opportunity to say how thankful we are for all the support we have received over the years from all our staff, customers and friends.

“We truly wish this wasn't our ending at The Swan.

“From the whole team at Simple leisure.”

Papers lodged with The London Gazette confirm liquidators were appointed for Simple Leisure on May 13.