A pub that was damaged by a fire has announced its permanent closure.

The Windmill Inn in Mill Lane, Rustington, is due to shut its doors for the final time on September 15.

The pub has announced that it is too “difficult to carry on trading” after an electrical fire which started in a storage shed on August 17. The business was forced to temporarily close following the incident.

A spokesman for the pub said: “It’s been a hell of a ride over the past 10 years. There've been some fantastic times and some challenges, but we can honestly say we’ve loved our time at The Windmill.

Fire crews on top of the Windmill Inn in RustingtonFire crews on top of The Windmill Inn in Rustington (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

“We want to thank you all for the support you have shown our family over the years, the laughs and the jokes. Every single one of you has played a part in this story and we will always be thankful for that.”

The pub is holding a “farewell party” on the evening of September 14.

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Commenters on Facebook have expressed their sadness at the news, with one writing "so sad you are having to close down, we will miss our visits to you. Wishing you all the best for the future".

A planning application is currently under consideration for the demolition of the pub and neighbouring house and for the building of retirement properties in their place.

The plans, submitted by Churchill Living, outline the proposal for 28 one and two bedroom apartments and three two bedroom cottages, all for older people.

The properties would be “designed to help people remain independent, safe, secure and sociable for as long as possible”, accompanied by communal areas and facilities as well as parking.

The application has received three public responses to date - two in objection and one in support.

Both comments of objection are from residents in the area who feel their privacy would be impacted by the development due to new properties overlooking them. The objectors enquired about solutions such as frosted windows.

Comments on the application are open until September 26 with a decision due in November.