PUB giant Wetherspoon have announced that they are to close a well-loved Birkenhead pub.

The John Laird on Europa Boulevard is a popular destination for a tipple in Birkenhead and is close to the market and bus station.

Named after Birkenhead’s first MP John Laird, he was a shipbuilder and key figure in the development of the town and created Charles Cammell & Co, which later became Cammell Laird.

Wetherspoon say the closure will not see a loss of jobs.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “ We can confirm that The John Laird in Birkenhead is to close.

“All staff at the pub will be relocated to other Wetherspoon pubs and there will be no job losses as a result of the closure.

“We appreciate that our loyal customers will be disappointed with the decision.

“Wetherspoon has to make commercial decisions and on occasion it closes some of its pubs and this is the case with The John Laird.

“The pub will close mid to late August, however a final closing date has not yet been decided.

“The Brass Balance, Wetherspoon’s pub in Birkenhead is not affected by the closure of The John Laird.”

Earlier this year Wetherspoon decided not to sell the popular Dee Hotel in West Kirby after pub regulars campaigned against the closure.