A POPULAR Wetherspoon pub in Dorset is set to close next month.

The pub chain, known as ‘Spoons, has chosen not to renew the lease at The Nightjar, in Ferndown, which will close to drinkers on Sunday (September 24).

Staff at the Victoria Road free house have been offered roles at other Wetherspoon pubs in the region, the company said.

The decision has upset some residents, who say they have been left without a local.

But Wetherspoon spokesperson, Eddie Gershon, said it was a ‘commercial decision’.

“We can confirm that the final day of trading is Sunday, September 24,” he said. “The company has decided not to renew the lease on The Nightjar.

“This is a commercial decision by Wetherspoon.

“All staff have been offered jobs at Wetherspoon pubs in the region.”

READ MORE: Ferndown Wilko store set to become Poundland after deal

Regulars at the pub desperate to see the pub stay open launched a petition to save it – garnering some 1,400 signatures.

However, their efforts have proved in vain, as the closure was confirmed.

“We appreciate that customers will be disappointed with the decision and are fully aware of the petition to save the pub,” Eddie added.

The Nightjar took its name from a species of bird that inhabits the nearby Dorset heathland.

The closure comes just weeks after the town’s Wilko branch, next door to the pub in Victoria Road, also shut.

The store looks set to become a Poundland as part of a deal secured after Wilko went into administration.