West Suffolk CAMRA expresses concerns at closure of The Bunbury Arms in Great Barton, Little Thurlow's The Cock Inn and The Swan in Monks Eleigh

Pub campaigners have expressed their concerns at recent closures of watering holes across Suffolk.

Three pubs have closed their doors since the turn of the year, including The Swan in Monks Eleigh, Little Thurlow's The Cock Inn and The Bunbury Arms in Great Barton.

Martin Bate, of West Suffolk CAMRA, has raised his concerns at the recent closures.

He said: "We have got concerns because the Campaign for Real Ale, our mission is to keep the pubs open. Pub are changing all the time.

"Although we are concerned we don't think there will be an avalanche. Yes we are concerned, but we are hoping that they can rally round and come back again."

Rising costs have seen a number of pubs close across the country.

Jon Byers, owner of Little Thurlow pub The Cock Inn, cited 'astronomical costs' as the reason behind the decision to shut, while Greene King is searching for a new tenant to take over at The Bunbury Arms.

"Costs are making a big difference," added Mr Bate.

"The cost on the tax is bad enough, but now they have the increasing costs with energy. Something needs to be done to bring the overall costs down."

However, Mr Bate hopes that people can rally around to save their community assets.

He said that Government laws mean that developers, who may target empty premises to turn them into housing, are unable to remove community assets.

Mr Bate said: "I think there is going to be a temporary period where it is going to be bad. There were a lot of people in pubs before Christmas, but it generally dies down in January.

"A lot of communities do want their pubs. Pubs are great community assets, you don't want to lose them."