THE new owners of a popular West Kirby pub plan to create up to 40 new jobs when it reopens later this year after a refurbishment.

Local business Stange & Co bought the Ring O'Bells pub from Greene King last month and have submitted plans to expand the site considerably.

A spokesperson for the company said the aim is to create up to 40 full and part-time jobs, ranging from kitchen to front of house staff.

The new owners hope to extend the pub by adding a garden room that will overlook the outside space, complete with a terrace, beer garden and children's play area. There will be extensive indoor and outdoor seating for customers.

The Ring O’Bells will be the ninth pub in Stange & Co's portfolio, which includes the Fox & Hounds, Jug & Bottle and The Ship.

If plans are approved to expand the property, the pub will be one of the group’s largest sites, with the owners expecting to grow the business severalfold.

Managing director Dan McLennan, said: "Ring O'Bells is in an area we know well. 

"West Kirby is a popular and vibrant place and we're pretty confident that the local community will appreciate and frequent a proper pub serving quality food and drink.

"When we first saw the pub, it ticked all of the boxes for us.

"It's an old property with lots of character and has plenty of outside space and parking.

"It has real potential to be transformed into one of our best sites.

"We've also had a really positive response from locals.

"The pub has such deep-rooted history in West Kirby having been part of the community since 1810 and everyone seems really excited about it being revamped and reopened."

The funding to buy the property was managed by NatWest senior relationship manager, Ruth Kirby.

Ruth said: "It’s always nice to see a local, family-run company doing so well and be able to purchase sites like this.

"Stange & Co. has proven it knows how to run a successful pub that draws in customers, and Ring O’Bells will be a fantastic addition to their growing portfolio.

"We're delighted to continue supporting the company and its impressive growth strategy."

Stange & Co. expect the pub to be reopen to the public at the end of 2020.