A pub company has dismissed rumours that it was left facing a repair bill for thousands of pounds to fix damage to a village inn from a tap left running after it was closed.

Charles Wells is seeking new licensees to run The Gate in Station Road, Bricket Wood, which has remained shut to patrons since February 24.

Villagers have told the Herts Advertiser that there has been talk in Bricket Wood of taps being left running and ruining the place, after its closure.

There is confusion about the future of the site as in early February a notice was put on The Gate’s front door for the attention of its then occupiers.

It stated that a hearing in regard to a claim by Charles Wells for possession of the pub had been brought forward from March 31 to February 16.

A spokesperson for Charles Wells maintained that the rumour of a running tap causing £50,000 damage to the pub was untrue but refused to comment on whether or not the building had been damaged.

She added: “We are looking for new licensees to run The Gate and work with us to reopen the doors to this fantastic community pub.

“We’ve already had some interest, but are continuing to invite all interested parties to get in contact.”

In a further statement a second spokeswoman said that, in relation to the hearing in February, she could not discuss individual circumstances or legal proceedings.

She added: “When a licensee leaves one of our pubs we identify any remedial work that needs to be completed as well as reviewing the overall condition and decoration of the property.

“We then work with the ingoing licensee to ensure the standards are appropriate for the trading style of the site before it re-opens.

“While it is inappropriate to share confidential details of any specific changeover, we will be working on these property reviews at The Gate, as a matter of course, when a new licensee has been found, ensuring the local community has a pub that is safe, appealing, hospitable and the centre of village life.”

A spokesman for Herts Police said it not received any complaints about alleged damage to the pub.