PUB HAS PULLED LAST PINT

A VILLAGE pub has pulled its last pint.

Planners have reluctantly agreed that the Pump House in Cooksbridge, near Lewes, can be converted to two flats.

Lewes District Council's planning committee heard that Hamsey Parish Council objected to the pub's closure on the grounds that another publican could get a new license and endeavour to return it to its former success.

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But a planning officer's report said: 'The applicants' supporting letter states that they have been trading for over three years during which time they have made a loss of more than 250,000.

'The pub is now closed and its licence has been withdrawn.

'The applicants have stated that they tried many ways to keep the pub open, such as installing a new kitchen and employing a top quality chef.

'The premises were advertised on local radio and in the local press, but the restaurant was often empty.'

They said there were two nearby pubs in the area, the Rainbow and the Blacksmiths Arms, both within walking distance.

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Former licensee Anthony Francis said the pub was on the market for eight months without success. He and his wife were more or less broke.

Cllr Sharon Davy said: 'We lost the Swan at Chailey. You cannot make people go to the pub.

'I feel it is always sad that what was once the hub of society is going, but I have to accept the situation.'

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