MPs have met with the Long Live the Local Campaign this week to help keep pubs open.

Leigh MP Jo Platt along with Bolton West and Atherton MP Chris Green have joined more than 150,000 people who have signed a petition so far, including 275 in Leigh.

They are calling on the Government to review the Pubs Code, review business rates and develop a strategy to keep pubs open.

Estimates from the Long Live the Local Campaign suggest brewing and pubs in Leigh supports 1,288 jobs.

It is believed the UK is set to lose 10 per cent of its pubs in the next five years too.

Leigh Journal:

Leigh MP Jo Platt and Chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, Brigid Simmonds

Ms Platt said: “Pubs are at the heart of our towns providing bustling hubs that bring our community closer together.

“We’ve already lost too many pubs across our towns and with three British pubs still closing their doors for good every day we urgently need a new approach to prevent their loss and revive our high streets.

“This is more than just saving our locals, it’s about protecting our community spirit.”

Leigh Journal:

Bolton West and Atherton MP Chris Green and Brigid Simmonds

Mr Green is also calling on the Government to cut beer tax at the Budget.

The MP said: "Pubs are at the heart of communities across Bolton West and Atherton and also provide over 1,000 local jobs but with three British pubs closing their doors for good every day the Government should consider a cut to beer tax.

“I’m supporting the Long Live the Local campaign and calling on the Chancellor to cut beer tax at this year’s Budget to support pubs in our local communities.”

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Chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, Brigid Simmonds, said: “We are very grateful to the MPs for their support for the Long Live the Local campaign, and hope that the Government listens to MPs across Parliament and the thousands of people across the country who are calling for a cut in beer tax to protect our pubs.”