THE new landlord of a popular Worcester pub says he wants it to remain at the heart of the community.

Sebastian O’Donnell took over as licensee and general manager of The Coppertops, in Oldbury Road, St John’s, in October last year.

He relaunched the pub on Saturday with a community event that raised more than £100 for the Phoenix House care home, in Bromyard Road, a centre that caters for people with learning disabilities.

The pub, the nearest to the Dines Green estate, was put on the market by brewery Punch Taverns last March but is yet to attract a buyer.

But the 35-year-old landlord, who has worked in the hospitality trade since leaving school, said he was delighted to be running The Coppertops and wanted to reassure customers it was there to stay.

The father-of-five said: “There’s been speculation for some time that The Coppertops was closing or going to be redeveloped. With it being the only pub on this estate, people were quite upset.

“I want to get the confidence back from the community again to let them know we’re staying.

“We’re going to continue going from strength to strength and I’m excited by being here. “I’m so proud to be the face of The Coppertops. I want people to know who we are and to come here as a first choice venue.”

A Punch Taverns spokesperson said: “The Coppertops remains on the market for sale. “We are speaking with interested parties but have received no firm offers.”