FREAK storms put a Winsford pub out of action after lightning ripped a hole in their roof.
The Brighton Belle pub was struck by the lightning bolt on Friday morning. Fortunately there were no customers there at the time, though staff were on site.
Pub landlord Arthur Warner said: 'We were inside the pub at the time, and a hole was blown through the roof at the back. It was a bit scary, especially when water started pouring in.'
Mr Warner called Vale Royal Borough Council to the building and officers advised that the pub - and the Taj Restaurant adjoining it - should close as water had flooded into its electrical systems.
Mr Warner said: 'We and the Taj have been closed since Friday and we'd like to apologise to any of our customers for the inconvenience.'
The closure, which came just days after the Denbigh pub on Denbigh Drive was shut due to consistent crime problems, sparked rumours across Winsford which Mr Warner is keen to lay to rest.
Mr Warner said: 'I have heard all sorts of rumours myself, including that we were closed for firearms offences and that police found drugs in our cellar, which are not true. Both the Brighton Belle and the Taj will be open again as soon as we can get everything fixed up again.'
