A PUB has been shut down after the brewery owner heard a swear word, astonished locals claim.

The Fox and Goose had only been open seven weeks but was suddenly closed on Monday.

Locals say Humphrey Smith, the owner of the Samuel Smith brewery, made his latest visit to the Droitwich pub on Sunday night.

The sudden closure has left landlord Eric Lowery looking for somewhere to live after securing just a week's extension to stay in the flat above the now boarded up pub.

And his friend and pub regular Tony Haycock claims the landlord is reluctant to speak further for fear he and his wife Tracey could be forced to leave.

Mr Haycock said: “The pub had been shut for years, it was fantastic to pop into after work.

“It was family friendly, takings were up, the pub was spotless and there had been no trouble, regulars were well behaved as we all pulled together as a community.

“He (Mr Smith) is notorious for having a strict ban on using mobile phones, bringing dogs in and swearing. He came in, had a drink and seemed happy.

“But he said he heard a man talking to a woman and the man swore. It wasn’t aimed at him, it was nothing at all.

“He’s shut the pub for one swear word taking all the money from the till and safe, and left the pub landlady and landlord jobless and homeless. It’s not like it was closed after a brawl.”

On the Fox and Goose Facebook group, the landlord confirmed to shocked pub-goers the closure was due to the swear word.

Mr Lowery wrote: “I’m so sorry Mr Smith been down and shut the pub. l love all you people that have stood by me and Tracey and have looked after us.”

Megan Murray said: “Everyone swears at a pub, we’ll all sit there in silence and look down.”

Jeanette Burton added: “It leaves two great managers job less homeless with no excuse, disgusting.”

Attempts to contact Samuel Smith Brewery have proved unsuccessful.

In July the Cheshire Midland pub in Manchester was closed down by the brewery in similar circumstances, with reports revellers were caught swearing.