Fuel bills force Picklescott bar owner to shut doors

A landmark Shropshire pub has been forced to close, with its owner blaming a slump in trade on rising fuel costs and the economic crisis.

The Bottle and Glass in Picklescott, near Church Stretton, closed its doors for the last time on Friday evening.

Landlady Paula Gurney, who took over the pub when she moved to the area from Oxfordshire in 2008, now faces a battle to save her home and business. But she said talks were taking place this week in a last ditch-attempt to save the traditional gastro pub. The pub was run in a former farm house dating back to the 16th century.

Mrs Gurney said: "I have come to a decision to close the business based on a lack of trading – it is hitting the hospitality industry and small pubs like mine which rely on selling food really hard.

"Our trade has dropped because people are not travelling so far due to the rising cost of fuel."

Anyone interested in helping to save the pub can call Paula on (01694) 751345.