Last toast from pub regulars as West Bromwich Wetherspoons calls time
It's a case of last orders at West Bromwich's Wetherspoon pub as resigned customers bid a fond farewell to the chain.
The historic Billard Hall, in St Michael's Street, is among more than 30 earmarked for closure by the chain due to economic pressures. It is due to close on Sunday night with staff relocating to other branches.
The watering hole, formerly home to billiard and snooker clubs, was popular with town centre workers and a group of about 20 senior citizens met there regularly to socialise.
However, customers enjoying a last pint there over the weekend say they were hopeful the property owner would be able to find fresh purpose for the premises, situated opposite the bus station.
Pat Hickman, 60, a milkman, said: "I've been coming here since I was 16, when it was a snooker hall. I've been coming here all my life.
"We know someone's taking it over, but we don't know what they're going to do with it.
