It is not just here in Calderdale. In Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield we have read headlines of last orders being called at pubs which have served their communities for years.

Working Men's Clubs are suffering a major decline in trade too.

A common theme coming through of course is that the struggling businesses are blaming the smoking ban for driving away their customers.

Though they also readily admit that the fact it is cheaper to buy booze in supermarkets has a big effect at a time when people are perhaps trying to spend a little less.

But we have to accept that the smoking ban does appear to have hit pubs hard.

Was this the expected outcome of the new legislation and was it ever considered to introduce any action to cushion the blow?

Certainly many people will feel very angry if the law introduced last summer does destroy Britain's traditional pubs.

And they will call for the law to be at least partially reversed.

But while there still might be good reason to step in and help save our pubs, it is unlikely we can go back on a change which could result in a huge improvement in the standard of health for so many people.

Take for instance the Cassells of Illingworth, Halifax. They have together given up smoking for the sake of a young boy born into their family.

The child will no doubt benefit and the adults will probably all feel a lot better too – to say nothing of the money they are saving.

But what has helped them give up their habit? They say it has been easier to quit because they are not allowed to smoke when going into pubs on a night out.

And across the country there are probably thousands like them – enjoying better health after giving up cigarettes because of the no-smoking law.

We do not want to see lots of pubs closing – but it is hard to imagine that a return to smoking inside could ever be part of their rescue.