60 pubs boarded up in East Lancashire

May 29, 2008: An investigation by the Lancashire Telegraph has revealed that some 60 pubs in the east of the county are now closed and boarded up, with other derelict and some converted into restaurants or residential accommodation.

The reasons behind the closures, of course, are familiar ones: the effects of the anit-smoking legislation, cheap beer on sale in supermarkets, and the rising levels of rent forced upon landlords by pubcos.

Local MP Nigel Evans, who is also vice-chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said: "Pub closures are a real problem and more support is needed from Government. Taxes on drinks sold in pubs are far too high."

4 Read the full story on the Lancashire Telegraph website