DRINKERS are celebrating after learning that a popular pub, closed by a legal wrangle between tenant and landlord, will be open in time for Christmas.

There was an outcry when the doors to the Black Lion, in Richmond's Finkle Street, were locked and bolted at the beginning of the year.

Further protests were made to Pubmaster in October, when it emerged intruders had forced their way into the premises and were using it as a squat.

The company reacted quickly, improving security by fitting metal screens over windows and doors.

On Tuesday, the shutters came down as workmen moved in to begin decorating and yesterday the company confirmed the pub would reopen, albeit on a temporary basis.

"Pubmaster has found a temporary manager who will be opening and running the Black Lion over Christmas," said a spokeswoman.

"Signs have been placed outside with details of the re-opening. The pub will then shut in the new year to allow refurbishment to take place.

"Pubmaster is currently in the process of recruiting a new tenant with the view to reopening the pub as soon as possible after the refurbishment is complete."

Secretary of the Richmond Business and Tourism Association, Dr Mike Nicholls, said he was delighted to hear of the return of the pub.

"It always used to be where councillors and others went to talk without being quoted," he said. "This is welcome news and we look forward to its permanent return.''