The owner of JD Wetherspoon has dismissed rumours that the chain's pubs across the UK could reopen in June, paving the way for a new pub in Felixstowe to be pushed through.

A sixth design has been put forward for East Suffolk council planners to decide on, as Wetherspoon looks to open its first pub in the town.

The reopening of Wetherspoon pubs nationwide has been the subject of much media speculation over the last few days.

Today the pub chain's owner, Tim Martin, described the rumours as 'cobblers' and explained the company's plan to open in June if the Government permits pubs to do so.

Mr Martin admitted for 'planning purposes' the company is readying itself for a June opening but it will abide by the Government's restrictions and that, 'we don't know any more than anyone else'.

Mr Martin told Nub News: "It's total and complete cobblers (report that Wetherspoon might reopen in June), we have no insight whatsoever as to when pubs might reopen and no information from, or hotline to, the government.

"We've made an assumption, just for planning purposes, that pubs MIGHT be allowed to open in late June- but we don't know any more than anyone else."

Many Felixstowe traders are missing out as the holiday, and day-tripper season should be well under way. While some businesses in the town are looking to how to move out of lockdown, pubs and clubs could well be the last to be allowed to open.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon added: "Wetherspoon has no hotline to the government as to when pubs might be permitted to reopen and we doubt if the government itself has yet made a decision on this.

"Like all companies, we are trying to make a plan for the future and are guessing that they may be allowed to reopen in late June, around three months after they closed.

"However, that is just an estimate and may prove to be entirely incorrect.

"Wetherspoon, like all pub companies, closed its doors when ordered to do so by the government – and will only reopen when it is permitted to do so."