A boarded-up pub near Farnham is set to reopen in “coming weeks”, says pub giant Stonegate.

The Barley Mow in The Sands closed in March amid concerns over Stonegate’s debt repayments – prompting villagers to launch a Save the Barley Mow campaign.

However, the pub company has given a positive update on the pub’s future.

A Stonegate spokesperson said: “The Barley Mow hopes to welcome new publicans in the coming weeks, and once the recruitment process is complete, will open and trade as normal.

“The popular local site is looking forward to welcoming back locals again soon.”

In January, the GMB union warned the future of hundreds of Stonegate pubs in Surrey and Hampshire was uncertain because of increased interest payments on Stonegate’s £2.5 billion debt.

The GMB repeated its warning last week after Stonegate issued a “profit warning”.

However, Stonegate has dismissed the union’s claims as “totally misleading”, saying its most recent accounts include a “significant improvement” in profitability.

Stonegate is still advertising a new fixed-term tenancy at the Slug and Lettuce in East Street, Farnham.

According to the Stonegate website, Farnham’s Slug and Lettuce venue has a capacity of up to 200 customers, a yearly turnover of £516,180 and rent set at £653 per week. It includes two self-contained flats, one a two-bed with lounge, kitchen, and bathroom and the second a one-bed with the same facilities.

Other pubs owned locally by Stonegate include The Golden Fleece in Elstead and The Nelsons Arms, The Sandrock, and The Elm Tree in Farnham.