More depressing news for Littlehampton's pub trade

Both pubs, which are owned by chain Admiral Taverns are now for sale on the open market. They are the latest victims of a depressing trend, which has seen many of the town's watering holes call time for the last time.

The Wickbourne Swan, in Clun Road, was closed last year, and reopned months later on a trial basis, which has now run its course.

Paul Crease, landlord at the Arun View and chairman of Pubwatch, said that everyone was feeling the squeeze of the credit crunch.

"Individual's gas and electricity bills are going up, and so are those of the landlords, but those increases can't be passed on to the customer."

He added, though, that some pubs were doing well by offering something different, such as pool leagues or live music.

Helen Boiling, who runs The Dolphin in the High Street, said she was working hard to give her pub the edge.

"We do ghost tours, quizzes and physic events, so we like to think we offer something a bit different.

"I work seven days a week, and will fight for my pub. We are doing fine, and intend to stay that way."

According to the Campaign for Real Ale, or CAMRA, more than 150 pubs close every month across the country.

Roger Protz, editor of the group's 2009 Good Beer Guide, said the main reason was simple.

"People are abandoning their locals because they can buy cheap supermarket beer at a fraction of the price charged by pubs."

A spokesman for Admiral Taverns said: "Following a review of our estate, we've taken the decision to sell the Wickbourne Swan and Gratwicke Arms."

He added that while the Sawn was already empty, the Gratwicke Arms, which is opposite the alreday derelict Spotted Cow in East Street, would be vacant within the next four weeks.

In the last few months, Littlehampton has lost The Crown, The Lemon Tree, The True Blue and The Marine Inn, as well as the Steam Packet and The Locomotive, which is due to be converted into flats.

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