GEOFFREY Cox, MP for Torridge and West Devon has called for the government to do more to help local pubs, as new figures emerged showing that Torridge and West Devon had seen 21 pub closures since 2005 — the worst in Devon and Cornwall. Other pubs in the 'Post' district have also come under pressure because of the economic downturn, the smoking ban and and ruthless competition on prices from supermarkets.

The figures, which come from research commissioned by the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, show that the vast majority of these closures came in 2007 and 2008 — after the ban on smoking in indoor public places.

The British Beer and Pub Association has estimated that pubs are now closing at the rate of 36 a week because of the smoking ban, fragile consumer confidence, ruthless competition from supermarkets and, not least, higher beer taxes imposed by the government.

Mr Cox, who has received many hundreds of letters from concerned publicans, independent brewers and pub-goers who are worried that these recent tax rises will spell the end for the traditional rural pub and has pressed the government on the issue on a number of occasions, several, said that the figures showed how the government has made life difficult for publicans during at a time when the economic situation was already grim.

Mr Cox said: "Local pubs in Torridge and West Devon are a vital part of our social fabric and community life. While big pub chains may be making money out of Labour's new drinking laws, small everyday pubs in our villages and market towns are suffering from the combined onslaught of higher beer taxes, a weakening economy, supermarkets selling alcohol below cost price and the smoking ban.

"Whatever people's views on the smoking ban, it has had a major impact on many pubs. Yet the government seems determined not to help. Only a few months ago, the government's own tax inspectors admitted that pubs may be eligible for refunds on their business rates, but pub owners are still being kept in the dark about this u-turn. All Ministers seem to care about is squeezing extra money from publicans and everyday pub-goers."

He added: "We have already lost many of our Post Offices thanks to the government's neglect and lack of interest in the countryside. It is vital that our pubs do not go the same way. Pubs are some of our area's most loved small businesses. It is about time that the government actually did something to help them survive."

The landlord of the Harris Arms, Portgate has urged residents to use their local pubs or face losing them. Andy Whiteman said pubs were struggling due to a combination of factors. He believed the smoking ban had "definitely had an affect on a lot of pubs" as people who smoked were not going out as often. The "major problem" however, Andy said, was the combination of the credit crunch and low alcohol prices at supermarkets, which he branded "ridiculous." He added: "The credit crunch is having the biggest impact on this business, plus I think supermarkets' cut price sales on alcohol is having a very negative affect on the whole sector." He felt rural pubs needed the support of the local community: "Whether it's ourselves or anybody else, you've got to use it or lose it. We're looking to have a good tourist season this year but we've got to be supported by the local community. A lot of pubs buy locally and use local produce and we need the locals to support us." With another duty increase planned for next month, Mr Whiteman said the Government needed to drop the "duty escalator." He said: "We haven't put our prices up. We recognise that times are hard. We're doing our bit and we need the Government to do their bit and the customers to do theirs. It's got to be a joint effort. Country pubs are a key part of the community and the tourism business and we need everybody's support and we need the Government to see sense." Having spoken to Geoffrey Cox, MP for Torridge and West Devon about the problems facing pubs, Mr Whiteman said: "He's been very supportive of all the local pubs. He's doing his best. He's one of the MPs fighting this as he understands the importance of rural pubs not only to the community but also to the tourism business."