The upcoming permanent closure of a Wetherspoons in Lewisham has caused a stir among pub lovers in south east London.

The Edmund Halley pub, in Burnt Ash Road, is set to close its doors on December 30.

Eddie Gershon, a spokesperson for Wetherspoons, “appreciates” that both customers and employees will be “disappointed” with the decision.

He confirmed that no one will be made redundant and all staff will be employed at another Wetherspoons branch.

In September, Wetherspoons also announced that five pubs across south London were put up for sale.

The chain made a commercial decision to sell the pubs which will continue to operate as Wetherspoons outlets until they are sold.

The Edmund Halley was not in original list of pubs for sale.

The Wrong Un in Bexleyheath, Bankers Draft in Eltham, the Asparagus in Battersea, the Capitol in Forest Hill and the Foxley Hatch in Purley are currently up for sale.

The Edmund Halley has been described by fans of the pub as “friendly” and a place “packed with great memories”.  

Whether the venue was used for quiet evening drinks, or a pre-drinking session before clubbing – many will be sad to see it close.

Here’s what News Shopper readers said about the closure:

Caron Feagan said: “I think it's bad - there's a lot of locals that are very much community based that meet there daily for a chat - elderly locals.”

Tony Starks said: “I'm in there right now.

“It’s as an excellent local feel and real community pub. They should not close this.”

Carol Bradford said: “Definitely disappointed about this closure, we always meet our friends their and l feel relaxed here.

“It’s easy to have a chat, without a lot of youngsters screaming and shouting.”

David Bingham said: “Very sad.”

Yvonne Ellis said: “So sad another part of Lee Green community going.”

Poppy Shakespeare Perdita said: “I actually will miss it.

“I never went in always meant too. I’ll miss all the characters sitting outside.”

Stephen Rozario said: “Very bad idea, should leave it alone.”

Valerie Piggott said: “Terrible.”

Prince Champ Fredericks said: “Devastated.”

Lady Gina Ann Arcari said: “Gutted.”

The full statement from Wetherspoons said: “We can confirm that the Edmund Halley pub in Lee Green is to close.

“It’s final day of trading will be on 30 December.

“We appreciate that both customers and staff will be disappointed with the decision.

“However, Wetherspoon does on occasion, close pubs and this is the case here.

“There will be no staff redundancies, as staff will be redeployed at other Wetherspoon pubs.”