A community leader has spoken on speculation that a recently-closed pub could be bought by an RAF base - but said his main concern is for the private businesses at the site. 

On Friday, pub giant Greene King confirmed the 1930s pub The Bird in Hand in The Street, Beck Row, which is just a stone's throw from the RAF Mildenhall base, had closed its doors. 

Now councillor Don Waldron, who represents The Rows on West Suffolk Council, has spoken on local speculation that the site might be purchased by the airbase.

The Bird in Hand in The Street, Beck RowThe Bird in Hand in The Street, Beck Row (Image: Google maps)

"There's so many rumours going around, there's all sorts, but I know the airbase is looking for land for extra buildings," he said.

"It is a very interesting situation because it was listed as a community asset. We don't know if it has been sold or not but it strikes me as strange that the context of it being a community asset expired on May 19 and now all of a sudden they have closed it and panelled it all up." 

Cllr Don WaldronCllr Don Waldron (Image: West Suffolk Council)

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "We are aware that the Bird in Hand is on the market and will remain in contact with the owners until future use is confirmed." 

Mr Waldron added: "I am sad to see it go, it is sad to see anything go like that as more and more pubs disappear.

"But the motel rooms around the pub itself, some of them are now private businesses which obviously haven't closed. I am now more worried about those businesses.

"What's their situation, what is their tenure?"

Stephen Snazell, of Cuts R Us barbers, which is one of the businesses based at the the Bird in Hand, said they are still currently open at the site but will be moving out in the future.

On Friday, a spokesperson for Greene King said: “It has been a difficult decision to close The Bird in Hand and we would like to thank all our customers, both local and from further afield, who have visited over the years.

"Our focus now is on supporting our team members at the pub. While we know the closure is disappointing for many customers, we hope to welcome them into our other pubs in the area soon."

When asked for further comment on the speculation and the private businesses at the site, Greene King said there was nothing more it could share at this stage.