A popular family pub in Swansea is to close suddenly on Sunday, and it is understood that staff were only given five days' notice.

The Linden Tree has been popular for more than 50 years in the West Cross community, with many loyal customers, serving up a grill menu and a variety of drinks.

But Milton Pubs and Taverns Limited, which manages the pub for Aprirose, the company behind the watering hole, told staff on Tuesday that the doors would close for a final time on Sunday, to the shock of all the 12 people working there, together with their loyal punters.

Staff members were offered alternative positions at pubs in Scotland or England, or be made redundant, it is understood.

The Linden Tree pub in Swansea is closing down after 50 years.

Initial contact was made the previous week on Monday, November 19, stating the pub may be put up for sale, and that there was a risk of redundancy, before the dramatic development this week.

A letter which was sent to employees...

A letter which was sent on Monday, November 19.

A staff member at the pub, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "Morale is a bit crap. A lot of people are really angry about what's happened.

"We've had a lot of people really upset about the fact. We've got regulars here who have been coming since it opened 50 years ago and have been coming here every single day.

"There's an old man who has no family who comes here regularly. It's just disgusting.

"They came last Tuesday and they told us they may be putting the pub up for sale, and then we were told this Tuesday it would be closing on Sunday."

One of the pub's regulars, Sharon Morgans, of West Cross said: "It's not just a pub, it's a place where people play bingo, where little Mr Jones comes on a Saturday for a pint, paper and a sandwich. It's not just a pub, it's for the community and that's the sadness in it.

"To close it before Christmas, it's people's jobs. I think it's terribly sad, it's somewhere for the community and it's devastating for everyone."

Fellow regular Laura Allam, of Tycoch, said: "We are absolutely heartbroken. The way the staff have been treated is absolutely terrible.

"It's been horrendous, that pub is the absolute pub in West Cross. We're reeling.

"Would it have killed them to stay open another month? Everyone is heartbroken, some regulars don't know what they are going to do.

"I can't understand the logic of closing the pub on the busiest month of the year."

An Aprirose spokesman said: “Regrettably, after being unable to find a buyer for The Linden Tree as a going concern, we can confirm that it is now closing. It is unfortunate for the loyal, dedicated staff and customers but we believe that The Linden Tree offers a good opportunity for the right investor. We invite any interested parties to contact our property agents Fleurets.”