The days of the White Lion of Mortimer serving Mitcham as a Wetherspoon pub are nearly over.

For years, the London Road boozer has been under threat of closure, with MP for Mitcham and Morden Siobhain McDonagh even starting a petition to save it.

But now the national chain has confirmed it will no longer be running the White Lion.

But in a turn of events, it will remain as a pub, albeit after a temporary closure which will come into effect from November 5.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We can confirm that the pub’s final day of trading as a Wetherspoon pub is Sunday, November 4.

“There will not be any job losses. All staff will be transferred to other Wetherspoon pubs.

“We would like to thank the pub’s loyal customers, who have supported The White Lion of Mortimer for many years.

“We appreciate that they will be disappointed with the news.

“The pub has been let to another pub operator.”

Ms McDonagh was pleased to hear that the pub would continue to serve the community.

“Though I am sorry to see Wetherspoons go, I am delighted that the White Lion will remain a pub in the heart of Mitcham," she said.

"As soon as I know who is taking over I will be asking to meet with them at their earliest opportunity."