THEY secured the future of a much-loved Southampton pub.

But now the landlords of the Bitterne Park Hotel have themselves decided to move on.

According to company bosses, current operators and siblings Gina Coulson and Raymond Raynor wish to end their business agreement.

Now Enterprise Inns have put the pub on the market and are looking for a new publican to take over.

The company has revealed is it advertising the Cobden Avenue pub to potential new owners and describe the venue on its website as “a busy and lively venue for social drinks, food, entertainment and letting accommodation.”

It comes after Gina, who took on the pub in 2014, spent around £180,000 on a refurbishment last year.

A sign has been put up outside the pub inviting people to enquire about running the pub, which is also listed on Enterprise’s website.

The venue was previously rescued from the threat of closure two years ago when it was dubbed a community asset by council bosses, giving locals the chance to take control is its future was ever in doubt again.

It was the second listed community asset in the city, following The Bittern Pub in Thornhill Park Road.

Gina and Raymond took on the establishment as long-term owners who previously said they had big plans to give it a new look and restore its hotel status.

The brother and sister duo saved the pub after a shock departure from former landlord Ian Houston after they signed a long-term lease.

The Echo has tried to contact the pair, but have not had a response.

Raymond previously told the Daily Echo of plans to refurbish, which happened at the beginning of last year, as well as hopes to run at least seven rooms.

He said: “I am glad that it is a community asset, because Bitterne Park needs a pub, hopefully that will mean it will continue.

“People realised that it is a difficult environment for pubs and when you lose a pub it is difficult to get it back.”

Regional managers for Enterprise say Bitterne Park Hotel is an “excellent pub which provides a fantastic opportunity for a passionate publican looking to build upon the current trade of this traditional pub business.”

A spokesperson from Enterprise Inns said: “We are currently recruiting for a new publican for the Bitterne Park Hotel.

"The current operators have given us notice that they wish to terminate their current business agreement and leave.

“We would welcome applications from any suitably experienced parties in the local community”.

Anyone interested in finding out more about taking over the pub can contact Enterprise’s recruitment team on 0121 953 0072 for more details.