PLANS to expand a Newton Aycliffe pub could be scrapped because of a buy-out of the Swallow Inns and Restaurant group.

The group had submitted an application to Sedgefield Borough Council for a single-storey extension to the Iron Horse pub in Emerson Way, to provide a kitchen, extended lounge and bar games facility.

But it is not known whether the new owner of the group, Enterprise Inns, will wish to pursue the plan.

It is due to undertake a review of the pubs with a view to converting managed houses, formerly owned by Vaux, to tenanted operations.

One hundred and eighty three former Vaux premises were put up for sale in February as part of Sunderland's Swallow Group. Owners Whitbread sold Swallow Inns in May to Enterprise Inns for £115m.

Michelle Wade, landlady of the Iron Horse, said: "There are meetings going on all the time and we are waiting for someone to let us know what is happening."

An Enterprise Inns spokeswoman said "nothing could be said" about the planning application until the review had been carried out