THE futures of several city pubs are up in the air during a worrying period for the industry.

The Maltster, on Cornmarket and The Alma Tavern, on Droitwich Road, are both currently shut sparking fears amongst punters that they may never re-open.

Meanwhile, there is some uncertainty regarding the Coach & Horses on Upper Tything, with landlord Dan Auty reportedly considering his future.

While The Vine, on Ombersley Road, has been shut on and off for several weeks, with the owner reportedly looking to hire a new assistant manager to ensure the future of the pub.

The Alma has been boarded up since the end of May, having only been taken over by Star Pubs & Bars weeks before, after landlord Tim Churchman walked away.

The 52-year-old industry veteran had invested around £7,000 of his own money into the pub over his nine months in charge, before signing a five-year lease at The Bridge Inn, Tibberton.

Having taken over running the pub in October, there was serious concern about his future when new owners Star Pubs & Bars took over and put up an advert for the lease in January.

Mr Churchman had taken over as part of a tenant at will agreement with previous owners Punch Taverns, which means there is no fixed term – but said he was assured by Star he had first option on a longer-term lease.

However, he said a refurbishment had been planned under the previous owners, but there was no clear communication about when that would take place once Star took over.

“It’s hard to attract new business when people are walking past, and they know nothing’s changed for 15 years,” said Mr Churchman.

A Star spokeswoman said yesterday the pub “remains closed whilst subsidence works are completed” with the plan to “re-open again under a new operator and with investment for its future”.

However, with the lease having been originally advertised over eight months ago – the brewery is still on the lookout for a new landlord.

“We are in the process of looking for an innovative open-minded operator who can become the heart of the community, demonstrate great business acumen and has a passion for pubs,” said the spokeswoman.

Meanwhile, another Star pub, The Maltster – dating back to 1659 – is also “temporarily closed” while a “change of operator occurs and planned works are undertaken”.

“We hope to get it re-open again, serving the local community in a matter of weeks,” the spokeswoman added.

The Vine, in Northwick, underwent a dramatic £300,000 transformation – overseen by landlord Tim Sandu – before re-opening in summer 2016.

However, since then has reportedly been closed for numerous spells of varying lengths – before shutting again last month.

After shutting mysteriously on August 17, Mr Sandhu promised the pub and grill would open again – “I will not let my customers down,” he said, adding: “This is my commitment to the society that I love.”

He said he had put his life savings into the pub and hoped to be open for the Bank Holiday, though customers have confirmed the pub was shut.

Customers have said The Vine has been open this week, while Jimmy Singh, who told the Worcester News he is Mr Sandhu's son and owner of the pub, said it was re-opened last Thursday.

He said he is looking to hire a new assistant manager to ensure the pub can remain open every day.

Close to 1,300 pubs have shut down or converted over the past year in the UK as the industry suffers amid unprecedented cost pressures.

New research has found that 25 pubs have closed every week, with many being switched to alternative uses such as homes and offices.

Experts have said rising business rates, a property tax levied on firms, are partly to blame for the pub closures.

According to data from real estate adviser Altus Group, 1,292 pubs have disappeared from the high street, which also means they are not contributing to the Government's business rates pot.

Retailers and restaurant groups have also been affected by similar cost pressures, and have been contending with wage increases, alongside a fall in footfall and consumer spending.

This has triggered a string of high-profile administrations within the sector.