A POPULAR pub has closed its doors for the final time, after being open at the site since the 17th Century.

The Sun Inn, in Bradford Old Road, Cottingley, has been closed by owners Milton Pubs and Taverns and put up for sale.

It was the only pub in the old village of Cottingley, and historical mapping indicates a pub has been on the site since the 1600s. The only pub now left in the area is the Throstles Nest in Airedale Avenue

The Bradford branch of the Campaign for Real Ale said the closure has been a "massive loss for the community and area generally" and said losing community assets such as an historic pub "risks the village becoming a boring place to live".

Bradford CAMRA said the site is now expected to be turned into houses or apartments.

In its newsletter, the Tyke Taverner, Bradford CAMRA said: "On the night of the closure, the members of the local community that were present were visibly upset.

"Many of them have strong associations with the pub and have grown up with it as part of their lives.

"Family events and other occasions have all taken place here. The pub has also recognised members of the community that have suffered from, and succumbed to, serious illness and has provided support to those affected, particularly by way of charity events.

"Therefore, as well as being a building where food and drink could be bought, the Sun Inn also served an important social function.

"The closure of the pub has effectively removed this and taken away parts of the lives of those that used it.

"On the night the pub closed, the staff working there said that they were looking for new jobs and that it was planned to turn the site into houses and apartments.

"Recent enquiries by the Bradford branch’s pubs officer has confirmed that there is an intention to submit a planning application for housing on the site.

"It was also indicated that the land behind the pub has been bought from the Council so it appears likely this will form part of the planned housing development.

"Given its prime roadside location and the size and type of establishment, the Sun Inn deserves a better future.

"Run well, it should be a thriving gastro-pub, or similar, serving both the local community and the significant potential passing trade.  The only hope now appears that a more well-intentioned pub company, or prospective owner, can take the pub on and restore it back to its former glory."

The pub closed its doors for the last time on Thursday, November 22.