THE leader of Bolton's Civic Trust has branded two landmark pubs "eyesores" after they were left empty.

The latest pub in the town centre to have shutters put up on its windows and doors is Corks on Bradshawgate after the tenants left it two weeks ago.

The pub faces an uncertain future after its owner said it could be empty for months while its fate is decided.

Another pub, the Swan Inn, on the corner of Bradshawgate and Churchgate, has been empty for eight months and is now a magnet for fly posters.

Brian Tetlow, chairman of Bolton Civic Trust, urged Bolton Council to get tough on those responsible for plastering the windows of the two historic buildings with posters.

He said: "It's an eyesore to have both of these places defaced by posters.

"There should long since have been a campaign to stop fly posting, or at least some commitment to cover it up.

"But the responsibility for the buildings ought to lie with the owners who should take pride in them.

"After a while you wonder whether they are being actively marketed or being allowed to stand empty. Hopefully, it won't be too long before we see an improvement."

Parts of the Grade II listed Swan Inn date back to the 17th century and Corks is in a building which was previously a bank.

The owners of Corks, the Unique Pub Company, said it could remain boarded up for months while it decided what to do with the premises, one of 4,000 the firm manages nationwide.

"The company is undecided as to what it is to do to the pub," said a spokesman. "The previous tenants decided to leave for one reason or another and we are currently exploring all possibilities.

"The pub is being marketed as a business opportunity but we would not rule out the sale of the premises at this stage."

Bolton-based Provence Commercial Properties, which is acting as agents for the owner of the Swan Inn, says it is considering offers for the pub.