AN estimated 205 pubs have closed across East Lancashire since 2001, according to new figures.

Four hundred and seventy-five jobs have also been lost in the licensed trade over the same period, says a survey backed by business recovery experts.

The employment crisis would have been even worse but for Ribble Valley, which bucked the trend by creating 400 new posts since the turn of the century.

Hyndburn tops the list for North West losses, with 53 per cent shutting during the past 17 years.

And Burnley, Blackburn with Darwen and Pendle have also seen more than 40 per cent of their watering holes close their doors.

Today’s Lancashire Telegraph reports on the temporary closure of Uncle Jack’s, in Lower Darwen, which has previously been a favourite stop-off for Blackburn Rovers fans on matchdays.

A killer cocktail of rising costs, cheap supermarket booze and increased competition from other sectors have been blamed for the crash in pub numbers.

Mark Briggs, the LT’s beer writer, said: “It all began with the smoking ban but over the years you’ve had cheap supermarket beers and them there are the rising costs for landlords associated with the new pub companies.

“But there’s also been a change in drinking culture. People just don’t go to their local three or four nights a week like they used to.”

Ed Bedington, editor of the Morning Advertiser, said: “Pubs are facing some serious headwinds when it comes to rising costs.

“Business rates rises have been crippling to some operators, and the increases to the ‘living wage’ have disproportionately hit the pub sector hardest.

“On top of this you’ve got increased competition for the leisure pound, in the form of the explosion in casual dining, but also the rise in greater choice in home entertainment with streaming services.

“We’re also seeing a shift in consumer habits, with younger people going out less and drinking less.”

Paul Barber, of restructuring firm Begbies Traynor, on behalf of trade body R3, said: “Feedback from our members suggests the traditional ‘men only’ watering holes have come under greatest financial pressure in recent years.

“Modern pubs tend to be smarter, more family-friendly establishments serving food and real ale, and we are seeing an increase in microbreweries and pubs in more distinctive locations such as railway stations.

“While pubs will always have a place in Northern culture, they will need to keep up with changing trends and appeal to the younger audience, particular as research shows many under-25s drink less than their parents – or not at all

One of the few beacons of hope, for drinking fans, have been micropubs, which have sprung up across East Lancashire.