A POPULAR Carnforth pub will soon see its landlord move on to take over a Lancaster watering hole.

Landlord and former Bay Radio boss Bill Johnson is set to take his work to the Wagon and Horses, located on St George's Quay, after working at the Canal Turn since 2018.

He will be taking over the pub in September from Paul Tarry and Carole Crossley who recently announced they would be leaving the pub after nine years.

In January of this year, Bill received support from the community after his contract was threatened to be cut short to just three months at the Canal Turn.

The response from the community saw more than one thousand people sign a petition to keep him in place.

Bill said in a Facebook post: “As most people on here will be aware earlier this year with amazing support from customers, staff and the wider community, I fought back when three months’ notice was served by Punch Pubs & Co to exit The Canal Turn.

“At the time notice was served I still had 17 months remaining on my original agreement expiring in May 2023.

“Due to the amazing support from you all this notice was eventually rescinded and it was agreed to see my original agreement through to its end date. Despite asking for, and wanting, an ongoing renewal of my agreement it wasn't to be.

“Since then, with time on my side and with no eviction threat, I've had to look longer term, beyond May 2023, and my own future.

“In the last few days I've signed 'heads of terms' on a new lease taking over the Wagon & Horses Pub & Dining venue in Lancaster.

“The exciting opportunity wouldn't have been available next year.

“It's a fantastic venue, area, and community I know very well from my previous radio days.

“I'll be taking over from Paul & Carole who have built up an amazing site over 10 years. They really will be a tough act to follow.

“Although the timescales are all subject to change, the notice I've had to give to exit the Canal Turn would take me to the end of September. My priority is with my amazing team of 18 staff. I am consulting with all of my team and have a full meeting this Saturday with them all.

“Thanks so much to everyone for their amazing support and custom since I took over The Canal Turn in 2018.

“We've made incredible happy memories together and I've made so many friends. I will miss everyone immensely.

“In the meantime, it's very much 'business as usual' and the team and I look forward to seeing and serving you all soon.”

Paul and Carole posted on the Wagon and Horses Facebook last month to announce they would be leaving "with a very sad heart".

They wrote: "Age is getting the better of us and we just need time to relax after a few gruelling years," they said.

"We have loved every minute being here and loved the friendships we have built up.

"We don’t have a definite date for leaving but plan to be out by autumn.

"Thanks to all our customers for giving us so many happy times and we hope you all will have equal happy memories of our decade here."