A PUB in Kidderminster has been forced to close following a visit from lockdown enforcement officers.

The Severn Valley Railway, which runs the King and Castle pub, off Comberton Hill, has confirmed the site will have to close down just two weeks after it reopened for outdoor service.

It follows a visit from enforcement officers who raised concerns that only one side of the station concourse was open.

The pub was then alerted on Monday (April 26) that it will have to close until lockdown rules are eased further next month.

The SVR posted on Facebook on Monday: "We’re sorry that the King and Castle pub at our Kidderminster station will unfortunately have to shut from 6pm this evening until May 17.

"We have been informed by Environmental Health this afternoon that because only one side of our station concourse is open it is not suitable to host visitors during stage two of the current government roadmap.

"If you’ve booked tickets for our Spring Diesel Bash between May 13 and 16, don’t worry! We’re making arrangements to provide a takeaway beer service at Kidderminster during this event.

"The Railwayman’s Arms, our pub at Bridgnorth, will remain open as usual.

"We hope you will understand that the temporary closure of the King and Castle is beyond our control.

"We promise to have the same great beer and fantastic service when we reopen again next month.

"We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused and we look forward to welcoming you again soon."

The King and Castle will reopen its doors on May 17, when the country is expected to enter the next phase of the government's roadmap out of lockdown, allowing pubs to reopen for indoor service for groups of up to six people.

Peter Maloney, Worcestershire Regulatory Services’ principal environmental health officer and Covid-19 business compliance lead, said: “We visited the King and Castle pub in Kidderminster, like many businesses in the district, to check whether they are complying with the government’s coronavirus regulations.

“Unfortunately, the use of the concourse area within the train station doesn’t comply with the regulations as it is substantially enclosed.

“The owner of the pub opted to close the business for the time being as they are unable to alter the location of customer seating and tables to open in compliance with the law.”