RURAL pubs are being pushed 'to the edge' amid huge energy bills and squeezed incomes, according to a campaign group.

The Campaign for Pubs is now calling for 'an emergency package of support for pubs and small breweries' from the Chancellor in next week's spring statement.

This week saw the closure of the Blue Bell, a pub and restaurant in The Square in Dalston.

In a post on social media, the owners announced that they 'tried to keep the pub going as long' as they could, but due to rising costs, it was no longer possible.

"We have made some wonderful memories together and you have enabled us to create such a wonderful community hub at the Blue Bell," they went on.

"We wish there was something we could do to remain open but unfortunately we are no longer in a position to do so. We hope you understand our difficult situation."

Readers expressed their dismay at the announcement. "So sad this has happened - lovely pub and a focal point for all in Dalston and beyond," said Sue Dean.

"Sad to see and hear of lovely pubs closing," added Janet Gaughy. "I have fond memories of the late 70s/early 80s frequenting The Blue Bell. Happy days."

Another publican, Graham Watt, who runs the Wheatsheaf Inn in Wetheral, is launching a fresh new menu at the pub, but added that it is a 'hard business to be in at the moment' due to the costs of doing business.

"Pubs are the backbone of England," he said. "Country pubs are more than just pubs - they are a hub in the community that people use."

'We hope it can be saved'

Greg Mulholland, campaign director for the Campaign for Pubs said: “The current cost-of-living crisis and sky high energy bills are pushing many pubs to the edge, which is why the Campaign for Pubs is urging the Chancellor to listen and to come up with an emergency package of support for pubs and small breweries in the Budget.

“It’s very sad to hear about the closure of the Blue Bell in Dalston.

"We hope that the community may be able to come together to save it, we are thankfully seeing examples where pubs are being saved through new owners buying them, including community bids.

"We also hope that the Chancellor will finally listen and come up with support to get pubs through the next challenging year, to ensure they can continue to serve local communities including in Cumbria."

'Pubs are the heart and soul of communities'

The difficulties for pubs such as The Blue Bell comes following a warning issued in December by James Whitesmith, who runs the Oddfellows Arms in Caldbeck.

At the time, Mr Whitesmith said danger was looming for pubs amid high energy prices and, particularly, high VAT for businesses.

“Places are going to start to have to close and you’re going to get villages lose their pubs which are the heart of soul of their communities,” he said.

“It’s where people go to meet up, to party, to relax and its part of how we’ve been brought up, particularly in Cumbria.”

An HM Treasury spokesperson said at the time: "We have frozen alcohol duty for a further six months as part of our commitment to responsible management of the UK’s economy, to reassure and provide certainty to pubs, breweries and distilleries facing tough challenges ahead.

"We are also protecting firms from rising inflation and cutting their bills through business rates relief, the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, which will save the typical restaurant 40 per cent on energy bills this winter, and a £2.4billion fuel duty cut."