A LANDLORD has promised that The Highwayman will pay back a series of deposits to customers who have booked wedding and birthday parties there.

Former publican Mike Farrow, who managed the Manchester Road pub until just over a week ago, was tracked down by the Guardian in France after worried customers, who had arranged functions there, contacted the paper.

Anne Owen, of Hume Street, went to The Highwayman to check that the arrangements for her son Lee's wedding breakfast were in place.

He is getting married to fianc Lorraine Barber, aged 24, at Warrington Parish Church on August 30 and had paid a £100 deposit to secure the rear bar for the wedding feast.

But this week Mrs Owen was informed by a relief manager that Mr Farrow no longer worked at the pub.

Eight or nine similar inquiries had been made by customers who had booked wedding, birthday and Christening parties at The Highwayman, she was told.

Outlining her concerns, Mrs Owen said: "It's just heartache for people who have booked parties there."

The pub, which is owned by Birmingham-based Enterprise Inns, remains open for business. When relief management moved in last week, there were no bar, kitchen or cleaning workers employed there.

Mr Farrow told the Guardian: "I'm going to pay back all the deposits when I get back."

He confirmed that he had left the pub on July 31 and that as far as he was aware the first booking - apparently Mrs Owen's - was not until the end of this month.

However, customers are being urged to contact Enterprise Inns, whose HQ number is 0121 733 7900, if they believe they are owed deposits.

Enterprise Inns was unavailable for comment as the Guardian went to press.