A POPULAR Penketh pub has been forced to temporarily close while the staff self-isolate.

The Ferry Tavern – home of the Glastonferry music festival – is expected to reopen on Tuesday, October 27, after the consequences of a Covid-19 case left a 'huge hole in our workforce'.

A member of staff, who last worked at the pub on October 11, developed mild symptoms on October 13 and subsequently tested positive for the virus.

NHS Test and Trace then asked all ‘close contacts’ who were exposed to the staff member from two days before the symptoms developed to self-isolate for a fortnight.

A statement on Facebook said: "This unfortunately means that 11 other members of staff have been requested to self-isolate for 14 days from October 11.

"We need to stress that no other members of staff in the past eight days have developed any symptoms but must now isolate until Monday, October 26.

"With a huge hole in our workforce we have no option but to close for business until this date. At this moment in time NHS Test and Trace have not requested any customer contact details from that day.

"The pub will now be deep cleaned and we plan to reopen on Tuesday, October 27.

"Please keep an eye on our website and social media platforms for future updates.

"We thank you all for your support through this very difficult time and we look forward to serving you again soon."