PUBS have taken more than their fair share of knocks over the years.

But according to pressure group CAMRA, they are now facing the greatest threat in more than 100 years.

Nationally 56 pubs close every month. In Calderdale, since the beginning of January, eight have closed and now face an uncertain future.

This brings to a total of 91 the number of pubs that have closed permanently or temporarily since 2000. In the same period, just 58 were created or re-opened, meaning a loss of 33 pubs in the district.

The problem has become so acute Peter Robinson, pubs officer for the Calderdale and Halifax branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has warned drinkers to either start using their locals in numbers or face the reality of losing them.

At the start of Community Pubs Week, which began yesterday, he warned that the characteristics of traditional pubs had been undermined to such an extent their existence was under threat.

"This is a real wake-up call to people to support their local pubs. If people don't use them they will disappear from our communities," said Mr Robinson.

He said there were many reasons traditional pubs were finding trade difficult.

He said: "There's a host of issues. These include the creation of profit-driven pub companies, heavily discounted beer to supermarkets, the growth of internet usage and increased competition from restaurant-cum-wine bars.

"Then, of course, there's the smoking ban.

"These have all played a part in undermining the pub to a point where it is seriously under threat for its very survival," he said.

"Not since 1869, when the Licensing Justices sought to compulsorily extinguish large numbers of beerhouse licences, have so many pubs closed in this area, year on year."

In the past, the threat has been chiefly to rural pubs, but in recent years it has been the urban, community-based pub which, has come under the greatest pressure because of spiralling costs and increased competition.

Halifax and Calderdale CAMRA branch chairman Nigel Robertshaw said: "Community pubs lie at the heart of our country's social and drinking traditions.

"Pubs face a bleak future unless more people can be encouraged to support them."

One of the latest casualties was The Puzzle Hall Inn, Sowerby Bridge, which shut its doors last month.

The closure came as a huge shock as the pub had proved a hit with regulars, live music and traditional beer fans.

Other Calderdale pubs to have closed, either permanently or temporarily, include the Talbot Inn at Illingworth, the Weavers Arms and Coach and Horses at Luddenden Foot, the Grove Inn near Mytholmroyd, the Grand View at Lee Mount, the Golden Fleece at Greetland and the Hole In The Wall at Hebden Bridge.

Halifax and Calderdale CAMRA is dedicated to protecting pubs under threat, and has supported local groups involved in trying to save their locals, such as the Robin Hood, Cragg Vale and New Delight, Jack Bridge, near Heptonstall.

CAMRA also opposes the demolition of pubs.

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