STAFF at a Poole pub turned up to work this week to find it had been boarded up overnight.

The Darbys Corner, in Waterloo Road, was open for business as usual on Tuesday, but the doors and windows were covered up and all signs removed on Wednesday.

Regulars estimate the pub, owned by brewery Hall and Woodhouse, employs eight to 10 staff including a live-in landlord.

Three weeks ago, fearing that the land was being sold for development, they staged a protest to save the 300-year-old oak tree in the pub grounds.

A regular of more than 20 years told the Daily Echo: “I would not be at all surprised to see the building knocked down and properties going up there.

“Over the last few weeks, a lot of rumours have been going about. Some said that after the new Wetherspoons opened up in Broadstone, the Darbys was given eight weeks to turn things around.

“That period is up, and suddenly on Wednesday morning staff turning up to work couldn’t get in. It’s a real locals’ pub, but it’s not busy anymore and they’ve put the prices up.”

Poole Council has imposed a Tree Protection Order on the oak.

After another Hall and Woodhouse pub, the Greenridge, in Upton, closed, there were plans for a 66-bed care home on the site, and locals believe a similar fate may await the Darbys Corner.

They will gather under the oak tree tomorrow for a farewell drink to the beloved pub at 8pm.