Times have never been harder for pubs. They are closing at the rate of FIVE a week, which is why the Guardian is calling on its readers to show a bit of love for their local. MHAIRI MACFARLANE reports.

OUR pubs are closing down or changing hands at an alarming rate and, given the cocktail of pressures they face, it is hardly surprising.

First it was supermarkets selling cheap booze, then the smoking ban came into force and now the credit crunch means people have less cash to spend on socialising.

Chain pubs are also slashing prices in a bid to woo punters in, making it even more difficult for smaller drinking holes to attract trade.

Many pubs are also finding the offer of a fast ticket out of the licensing trade too tempting to resist, and have sold out to land-hungry property and leisure developers.

All in all, these community hubs are fast turning into an endangered species and unless we use them we risk losing them – forever.

Richard Gratton, 29, licensee of the Royal Oak in Hale End Road, Woodford Green, said: “I put it down to the credit crunch.

I have many self-employed customers who haven’t had much work, but we are managing to keep our heads above water.”

When asked what keeps the regulars coming in, he says: “Our pub is like a family because everybody knows each other.

That is very important to the people who come here. People like to go somewhere to relax and where people know their name.”

The five joint owners of the Rose and Crown in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, have taken a creative approach to tackling the recession by hosting theatre and live music events, as well as parent and toddler groups and other activities to attract those who want a bit more than just a pint.

Licensee Aaron Clingham, 25, said: “We are a little bit different because we hold all these other events to attract people, which is the only way we could survive.

“For a lot of people their local pub is the hub of their community, so it is sad that some of the smaller pubs are closing in the area.

“But it is a difficult industry to survive in, especially now with the smoking ban and economic downturn.”

Roger Carter, landlord of The Castle and The Nags Head pubs in Walthamstow village, said publicans need to “think outside the box” to attract new custom.

He says he has achieved this by hiring out rooms for knitting and belly-dancing classes, as well as holding the usual karaoke and entertainment nights.

He said: “People don’t just want to go in the pub and drink anymore, they want socials.” Mr Carter said bigger chains, which are able to sell some beers for as little as 99p a pint, were not helping leaseholders who cannot compete with such knockdown prices.

He said: “Britishness is being eradicated. We have a unique way of life. You cannot beat a British pub for socialising, or having a game of darts or bingo.

“People should support their local pubs because if they don’t, they will lose them.”