By Patrick LowmanLAST orders look certain to be called for the final time at a pub that has served a village for more than 50 years.Peter Boswell, landlord of the Cherry Tree pub in Tye Green, Glemsford, has lodged plans with Babergh District Council to convert the pub into two cottages and planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval.

By Patrick Lowman

LAST orders look certain to be called for the final time at a pub that has served a village for more than 50 years.

Peter Boswell, landlord of the Cherry Tree pub in Tye Green, Glemsford, has lodged plans with Babergh District Council to convert the pub into two cottages and planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval.

Mr Boswell said he had tried over the past two years to build up trade at the pub, but claimed it was simply no longer viable.

He added a combination of changing social trends and strong competition from four other pubs and off-licences in village has left him unable to balance the books.

“I have been here for two-and-a-half years and I have tried every single way possible to make this pub work. Now I am at my wit's end,” said Mr Boswell.

“There is only one other pub in the village that serves food, so I tried to introduce an eating place, but even that didn't take off.

“We haven't taken the decision to close the pub lightly and have tried everything possible, but we are just going backwards and falling further and further into debt.”

He added: “There is just not enough custom base any more. Changing social trends mean many rural pubs now struggle and that is the situation here.

“The main problem is there is five pubs in Glemsford, a social club and three off-licences selling liquor and beer. There is just not enough trade to keep it all going.”

Gareth Durrant, case officer from Babergh District Council, said there were five pubs in Glemsford and numerous other facilities, including shops, a village hall, social club and surgery.

“As such, the proposed development would not result in the complete loss of a particular facility in the village,” he added.

However, Glemsford Parish Council said it would be sad to see the Cherry Tree pub close.

Parish councillor Len Young said: “It is always sad to lose any facility, but the landlord needs to have a viable business. If the pub is not able to compete, then I suppose the landlord has no choice but to call it a day.”

The plans will be discussed by Babergh District Council's development committee on September 22, with members recommended to grant approval.

patrick.lowman@eadt.co.uk