A former JD Wetherspoon pub based in Sutton High Street has been sold off by the pub chain for £1.7 million, it has been revealed.

Sutton Guardian reported that The Grapes, situated at the junction with Benhill Avenue, would close on August 5.

Trading was ceased and a notice was put up on the walls of the building as patrons were thanked for visiting over the years.

But now the freehold for the old boozer has changed hands, as it is now owned by West Wicklow Property Four Ltd in Chichester.

The title register is held in the company’s name, according to the Government’s HM Land Registry database.

READ MORE: JD Wetherspoon pub The Grapes officially closes its doors

Cllr David Bartolucci said: “We respect Wetherspoon’s decision and welcome their continued presence further up the High Street.

“As Sutton Central councillors, our primary concern is to retain the heritage of this building. In our opinion, it’s one of the landmarks in Sutton High Street.

“It’s locally listed and holds a prominent location in what is affectionately known as, ‘The Market Place’.

“We hope to see a new and exciting offer take advantage of this great location and wonderful building.”

JD Wetherspoon has been contacted for further comment.

The closure of the pub comes as research published last month showed four out of five people in the UK have experienced a pub closure in the past five years.

This represented 80 percent of Britons who said they have seen one close, while 21 percent have seen five or more shut according to YouGov.

Now Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) wants the Government to “abandon” any upcoming increases on tax paid by pubs in November’s Budget.

READ: July 25: JD Wetherspoon pub The Grapes to close its doors at the end of next week

A CAMRA spokeswoman said: “Pubs are vital to local communities and economies – they create jobs and bring money into a local area, as well as supporting the night-time economy and creating safer communities after night all.

“They also play a vital part in many people’s social lives, providing a place to meet and socialise and feel part of the community – even if you’re just sitting in the corner reading the paper rather than joining in the conversation at the bar.

“That is why CAMRA campaigns for more support from the Government to arrest the alarming number of pubs closing across the UK.”