A PUB in Taunton town centre that has been closed for almost three years is set to re-open.

The owners of the Apple and Parrot, in Corporation Street, plan to carry out a major refurbishment of the premises, which shut in January 2016.

Work will take place once a new licensee has been recruited by Star Pubs and Bars, which is owned by Heineken.

A company spokesman said: "We have submitted plans for an exciting major refurbishment of the Apple and Parrot in the heart of Taunton, which will commence in the first six months of next year once we have a new licensee on board.

"There are a number of people interested in the pub, details of which can be found on our website www.starpubs.co.uk

"We’ll be in a position to share more information about timings and the plans once we have a licensee on board and are in a position to take the project forward."

The plans in for the pub include smartening up the outside of the building and Leeds-based SR Signs has lodged a planning application with Taunton Deane Borough Council.

It proposes installing a number of illuminated and non-illuminated fascia signs, hanging and hoarding signs and 13 further illuminated signs.

The pub closed in January 2016, when it was claimed the managing company had been sold.

At the time, Wayne S, the general manager, posted on Facebook: "The apple and parrot is currently closed after the managing company was sold. The future of the pub is to be determined by new owners.

"I am publishing this after my employment was terminated as a courtesy to all bands, performers and clientele.

"Please consider all bookings, shows, promotional earnings and such forth cancelled and void.

"I have no idea what the future holds for this venue but can simply say it has been a pleasure to have worked and partied with you all."