INVERCLYDE'S biggest sports pub and only remaining snooker hall has announced its permanent closure following the Covid-19 shutdown.

In a major blow for the the local hospitality and leisure sector UK chain Rileys says it will not reopen its Greenock premises after more than 30 years in the town.

Several jobs have been lost as a result of the decision.

The Brougham Street bar is a popular venue for snooker, pool and darts with a number of local tournaments held there.

It has also been a long established pub for live televised sport.

The closure has stunned customers and staff, who had been waiting for a reopening date after lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Rileys said: "We have taken the tough decision today to permanently close our site in Greenock.

"We want to thank all of the customers for their loyalty and support throughout the years.

"We will miss you all."

The announcement comes as a huge disappointment to many, including members of Inverclyde Darts League who used the premises every week.

League chairman Jim Kincaid said: "This comes a big surprise.

"It was always busy whenever you went in and we were just waiting for a date for Rileys to reopen.

"I don't think this was expected.

"Rileys was a great venue and we held our open tournament there every year.

"They had a darts team in our league as well.

"There are other venues still to decide when to reopen and with social distancing I have no idea when we will get the leagues back up and running again."

Customers reacted online to the news that Rileys is gone for good in Greenock.

One replied to the announcement saying they were 'absolutely gutted'.

Another said: "So sad to hear this.

"The Riley has been on the go since I was a kid."

One former customer said: "I spent a lot of time in here as a lad and young man.

"Gutted to hear it's closing."

The sports bar chain, which was saved from administration six years ago, had already made public plans to close down their venues in Grays, Wolverhampton, Worcester and Sheffield.

Now they have added Greenock to the list

The Brougham Street bar offered multiple quality pool and snooker tables, as well as darts.

Management say Covid-19 forced them to re-evaluate the business and that they had to close premises to survive along with others in the hospitality industry.