A VILLAGE pub has closed for a deep clean after one of its customers tested positive for Covid-19.

The Crown & Anchor, in Aveley, run by Heineken and Star Bars, made the announcement on its Facebook page last night.

The post explained how a man had visited the pub on Sunday before being taken to hospital with suspected Covid-19.

The post read: "I regret to inform you that we have shut down due to a patron on Sunday 12th being taken to hospital with suspected Covid.

"Without confirmation this gentleman had COVID I would not want to alarm anyone but I can now confirm he has been tested positive and the council have been in touch with my area manager at Heineken and Star Bars to shut down for 72 hours and undergo a deep clean.

"Necessary measures took place the moment we heard the news from a regular customer.

"Our doors were shut, our staff were informed and all necessary calls were made to the top boys on advice as what to next, we acted quickly without evidence but were not willing to take any risks.

"We are very sad to share this news and I am personally contacting all patrons that were here on Sunday and quite possibly they will be contacted by some form of authority also."

The news come a week after pubs re-opened their doors on July 4 following the easing of the Goverment's lockdown restrictions.

Much of south Essex has been on a high with lots of people heading out to socialise with friends and family for the first time in months.

The post continued by praising its punters for following the guidelines.

The post has been shared more than 70 times.

The Crown & Anchor will welcome back customers tomorrow at 3pm.