Recession closes village pub

A Shropshire village pub is to close, with licensees blaming the economy for the "horrible" decision.

Graham and Fiona Didlick have been tenants at The Sun Inn, in Clun, for 16 months. Today, Mrs Didlick, said the couple took the decision to leave the Marstons pub a few weeks ago and closed its doors on January 3.

It was revealed yesterday that pubs in Shropshire are closing at a rate of two a month as the industry is plunged further into crisis by the credit crunch.

Mrs Didlick said factors including increasing rent and running costs, and diminishing trade had led to their decision to close the pub. Two permanent and two part-time members of staff have lost their jobs as a result.

The couple are shortly to make a final decision on whether to leave permanently, as Marstons have offered some concessionary rates in a bid to help out. Clive Thompson, from Marstons, said: "We are hopeful the rescue package will be enough to keep the couple as tenants."

The announcement comes after Councillor John Pritchard, the chairman of Pontesbury Parish Council, claimed landlords in Shropshire villages were being pushed out of their pubs by high rents.