ONE of Worcester's oldest pubs could close after the landlord was bought out and a mystery owner appeared on the horizon.

Antonio Navarrete, the licensee of The Plough, on the corner of Fish Street and Deansway, was asked to leave by the pub's owner but initially refused, fuelling a bitter dispute.

Mr Navarrete's solicitors demanded a £8,750 golden handshake for the publican, which owner Bob Moss at first refused to pay.

However, a letter from Mr Moss' solicitors, Harrison Clark - who are based next-door to the Plough - has now confirmed that the cash will be paid.

"We are in funds to make a payment of £8,750 to you upon written confirmation that you will leave and surrender the licence within 12 days," the letter said.

Mr Navarrete, who lives and works in the 400-year-old grade II-listed building, must be out by noon on Friday.

"My solicitor told me to take the money, and I don't know what I'm going to do," said the 58-year-old, who has been at The Plough for nine years.

"It is small but it's homely. It's not themed or a nightclub. It's just a regular pub and it will be missed."

Mr Moss had previously said he had other landlords interested in taking it over - allaying fears the pub would close.

However, Mr Navarrete believes the building will be bought by Harrison Clark, who may close the pub and extend their offices in what is now the car park and garden.

The firm of solicitors declined to comment on this, but did suggest Mr Moss was close to selling up.

"It's a pub owned by Mr Moss, but that may well change."

"We are acting for the prospective purchasers of the Plough, who do not yet wish to be identified," said Andy Caldicott, from Harrison Clark.

Mr Navarrete married Mr Moss's sister-in-law 10 years ago and Mr Moss allowed the couple to live in and run the Plough until they split up 18 months ago.

One of the pub's customers, Dean Dowler, said he was horrified to learn the building - which boasts centuries-old underground tunnels - could close. He said: "The Plough has a small but loyal following," he said. "I've been coming here 15 years. It's got a 'local' atmosphere and is the centre of our drinking."

Bill Ottaway, of Worcester's Campaign for Real Ale, said there were rumours offices would be built on the car park and garden.

"We don't like pubs closing and we are losing a licensee who knows how to look after his real ale," he said.

"Tony does always keep a very good beer."