West Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison is backing a campaign designed to halt the decline of local pubs.

Dr Murrison attended a meeting organised by the All Party Beer Group on Friday, as part of the Conservative Party’s campaign to save the Great British pub.

Dr Murrison said since 2005, 11 pubs have closed in Westbury alone, with 47 closing across Wiltshire.

He added: “For many people, particularly in small communities, the pub is the prime focus for social life.

“For them it ranks with other disappearing institutions like the village shop and post office.”

The MP has had a large number of letters and emails from members of the public who are concerned about taxes on beer, and as part of the protest is due to meet employees at Wadworth Brewery in Devizes next month.

Jonathan Pollock, public relations manager at Wadworth Brewery, believes pubs are closing because of interference from the Government.

He said: “It’s great news that Andrew Murrison is coming to speak to us - perhaps other politicians should show his concern.

“We’ve been interfered with too much in this industry. There’s been an 18 per cent increase on duty in one year and of course we have to pay VAT on top of that.

“The smoking ban has had a greater effect on the smaller pubs who may not have a smoking shelter. However those pubs that are more food orientated have probably benefited from the ban.

“All we ask is we are left alone to run the business that we know best.

“It’s gone to far now, are the Government trying to kill off the British pub?”

However local pubs in Wiltshire are battling against the odds, with the Great Western in Pound Pill, Corsham, a prime example of this.

Gordon White, 62, took over the business on December 18 and after a major refurbishment reopened on February 27.

He said: “We’ve had a major refurbishment - it looks like a different place.

“At the moment we’re doing very well, especially at weekends.

“We’re hoping to have the kitchen open by Easter.”

Mr White said cheaper alcohol on sale in supermarkets was one of the main reasons for the demise of British pubs.

He added: “It’s plain to see why pubs are going out of business - supermarkets can sell beer and alcohol cheaper than pubs can buy it.

“People are now content to buy cheap alcohol at the supermarket and have a drink at home rather than go to the pub.”