THE Guardian is calling on its readers to help save a famous British institution - the pub!

Following news that a lethal cocktail of costs and bureaucracy is forcing six pubs to close everyday, we are backing the Campaign for Real Ale's bid to get more punters into struggling local ale houses.

Brendan Sothcott, 47, CAMRA's spokesman for the Epping Forest district, said: "Local pubs are really up against it at the moment.

"We have already had a closure in Harlow this week, and the axe will definitely fall on some pubs a bit closer to home unless we act now."

He identified The Moletrap in Epping, the Forresters Arms in High Ongar, and the Sixteen String Jack in Theydon Bois, as establishments in need of a shot in the arm after a difficult few years.

He said: "Our message is clear: if you care about your local pub then use it or lose it. We need a return to people gathering at pubs in the heart of their community."

Mr Sothcott said a combination of unfair restrictions by companies that own pubs, increasing beer tax, supermarkets selling cheap alcohol and the smoking ban are sounding the death knell for local pubs.

Now another threat is looming in the shape of the Police and Crime Bill - which will reportedly cost the industry more than £300 million this year alone.

The legislation is aimed at curbing binge drinking and may include a ban on drinking promotions, the creation of women-only nights, smaller glass sizes, and new compulsory qualifications for staff.

Keith Morgan, landlord at the Forresters Arms, said: "A few years ago the village was served by three pubs; now The Red Lion has become an Indian restaurant and The Sanuk is a Thai restaurant and we are the only one left.

"All the new rules are a nightmare, not to mention our bills, and we are just treading water at the moment. It is pretty grim."

New figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) reveal that 39 pubs are shutting down in Britain each week, a rate 20 times higher than three years ago.

Suburban pubs are closing at the rate of 19 a week, town centre pubs at eight a week and rural pubs at 13 a week.

In total 1,973 pubs shut last year, up from 1,409 in 2007.

Dave Kirtley, 71, who has run The Moletrap in Tawney Common for 16 years, said: "My takings are down and I am not selling the quantity of beer, and particularly spirits, I did before.

"This is a family-run pub - my wife makes pies and puddings, and I am very enthusiastic about our real ale - so we are working very hard to keep it going."

PIC (EL12856) Campaign for Real Ale spokesman Brendan Sothcott will join staff and punters at The Moletrap pub in Epping at 7pm on Thursday, January 22.