THE search is on for a buyer to take on a Stourport pub which is in need of "heavy investment".

Ye Olde Crown Inn in Bridge Street has gone up for sale with a guide price of £450,000 plus VAT.

The former JD Wetherspoon pub was taken over by Hawthorn Leisure in 2016 and is now on the market through chartered surveyors James A Baker.

Bosses have reassured customers that the pub is not closing down, and will continue to trade until a new owner is found.

A post on the pub's Facebook page reads: "The news has started to circulate that Ye Olde Crown is up for sale, just to keep everyone informed - we won’t be closing our doors and will continue to trade (drinks only) until new owners are found and hopefully a long time thereafter.

"Most people will agree that the pub needs heavy investment, inside and out after being a staple part of tourists days out for many years and a noticeable lack of care and attention.

"That being said, the team are all local people and have worked extremely hard, often relentlessly for 70 hours a week in the summer holidays.

"Most of these staff members have been here since Hawthorn Leisure took over in 2016 and many of the rest also worked just as hard under the previous owners JDW - it would be greatly appreciated if you could continue to support the Pub and its staff in these uncertain times.

"Opening hours etc are all unchanged, prices are still fantastic and the welcome still warm (most of the time!)"

The property listing describes Ye Olde Crown Inn as an "excellent opportunity for public house operators and restaurateurs to further develop both wet and dry sales", and says the pub is likely to be of interest to local, regional and national licensed trade operators and restaurateurs.

The ground floor comprises a large open plan bar which can accommodate 25 people, a dedicated sports area with a pool table, restaurant area for 40 diners and a further dining area for 50 people.

There is also a customer WC, a commercial kitchen, office and various stores.

The basement includes a beer store with cellar lift, a large undeveloped area which is currently being used for storage, and further stores.

On the second floor, there are three rooms which are not currently in use.

Private accommodation is situated on the first floor and comprises two double bedrooms, a kitchen, lounge and a bathroom.

The property also features an outdoor decking area which can accommodate 30 people, patio area with a capacity of 60 people, bin store and a car park for 13 vehicles.