A CARNFORTH pub landlord who was told he had three months before he had to leave his pub has been granted an extension.

Canal Turn manager Bill Johnston had previously received a three-month notice order from Punch Pubs and Co, the owners of the pub, despite having not reached the end of his initial five-year tenancy agreement.

Bill had asked Punch Pubs to ‘honour’ their existing agreement and negotiate a new tenancy for the future.

Following a wave of public support and discussions with the brewery, Bill has been granted an extension of his tenure.

The three-month notice has now been withdrawn and the existing agreement will run until May 22, 2023.

The Canal Turn wrote on social media: “Following a recent meeting, I can now confirm that the 3 months’ notice to leave has been withdrawn, enabling the existing agreement to run until the end of its term (22nd May 2023).

“At this stage it’s highly unlikely a new tenancy will be offered moving forward – if anything changes, we’ll update you all on here.

“Whilst I know customers will be disappointed with this second point, at least the business has time to plan things properly and serve the community a little longer.

“What I do know is that this partially positive outcome wouldn’t have been achieved without the community’s amazing support for the current team.

“Hundreds of you have contacted us with messages of support and more than 1,300 people have signed the online petition. A heartfelt “thank you” from all of us.”

The pub has announced the return of its popular Charity Duck Race that will take place on April 17.

Furthermore, the pub’s Rock and Roll Bingo will return on February 10.