Boarded up pubs have become a common feature across modern Britain ­— but could this be about to change? Reporter Lyell Tweed looks at the state of pubs in Bolton, and the rise of microbreweries bucking the trend.

RECENT government figures have confirmed what many people have long been fearing.

The number of pubs in the UK fell dramatically between 2001 and 2019, with the Office for National Statistics detailing that there were at least 52,500 pubs and bars in the UK in 2001 ­— with 39,130 in 2019.

Worst of all, Bolton was one of the worst affect areas in the North West in terms of pub closures, according to the insolvency and restructuring trade body R3.

Government figures analysed by R3 show that the town lost almost 100 pubs between 2001 and 2019.

In real terms this means that there are now around 120 pubs in Bolton, compared to 215 at the start of the millennium.

Bolton also has one of the lowest concentrations of pubs in the North West ­— there are just four pubs or bars per 10,000 people in town, below the national average of nearly six.

Whereas towns in the North West, including Blackburn, St Helens, and Wigan all gained pubs in 2019, Bolton was amongst towns including Burnley and Chorley which lost more pubs than it gained in 2019.

This means that Bolton lost 44.2 per cent of its pubs in the period from 2001 to 2019.

Which is third for the North West only behind Hyndburn, which lost 52.6 per cent, and Burnley, which lost 52.9.

While Bolton lost pubs, the amount of people employed in them stayed the same ­— at 1,250 jobs.

Although there are signs that the tide could be turning for pubs.

Overall, the number of pubs and bars in the North West rose by 1 per cent to over 4,500.

Of the 39 local authority areas in the North West, only eight saw a decrease in the number of pubs.

This is still 26% fewer than in 2001; however, the rise is the biggest in almost two decades.

Allan Cadman, North West chair of R3, said: "Pubs are part of the North West's heritage but their number has been falling almost every year for almost two decades now.

"While a 1% rise seems small, it is the most significant sign for some time that the sector's years long decline may be coming to an end.

"Sales of cheap beer in supermarkets, the smoking ban and social changes have all played a part in the decline. However, the good news is that pubs have adapted to changing demand.

"They are now smarter and more welcoming, and appealing to a more diverse audience including families.

"Pubs are taking advantage of the growing trend for eating out and offering good quality food, ales and craft beers.

"It is likely that the pub will retain a central place in our social lives."

Some groups and organisations have been working for many years to highlight the decline of the local pub, and to try and remind people of the important role the pub can play in the community.

This most prominently includes the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Long Live the Local movement.

CAMRA describes its mission is to have "have quality real ale, cider and perry and thriving pubs in every community."

The Long Live the Local campaign "celebrates the vital role local pubs play in our community, culture and economy whilst highlighting the pressure they are under from a range of taxes."

Commenting on the recent bounce of pubs in Bolton and the North West, Nik Antona, CAMRA national chairman, said: "We cautiously welcome these figures suggest.

"Unfortunately pubs continue to close across the country, particularly in small or rural communities. This means the loss of social, cultural and economic benefits that come with a well-run local."

Responding to yesterdays budget, David Cunningham, Programme Director of Long Live the Local, said: "The government has listened to the quarter of a million people that signed our petition asking for a cut to Beer Duty.

"Whilst not a cut, by freezing Beer Duty, the Chancellor has recognised the value of local pubs and Britain's brewers."