CHARD'S Cerdic pub could re-open in June, according to Wetherspoons chairman Tim Martin.

Mr Martin has announced plans to re-open the chain's 850 pubs nationwide, which have been closed since the Government ordered the closure of bars and clubs in March to stop the spread of coronavirus.

He has not explained how it plans to start trading again "in or around" June.

The Government has not as yet announced any plans to allow pubs to re-open.

But the move would also see the re-opening of The Iron Duke, in Wellington; The Carnival Inn, Bridgwater; The Perkin Warbeck and the Coal Orchard, in Taunton; The Duke of Wellington, Minehead; and the Reeds Arms, Burnham-on-Sea.

Mr Martin said: "The coronavirus outbreak is having a severe impact on the UK pub sector.

"In these challenging times I would like to thank everyone at the company, its suppliers, landlords, banks and the government for their support and commitment.

"We've had to take significant action to reduce costs, decisions which have not been taken lightly.

"We look forward to re‐opening our pubs and hotels and welcoming back our teams in the near future."

The BBC has reported that Wetherspoons has furloughed 99 per cent of its staff and slashed costs during lockdown, although it still faces bills of £3million a month.