THE New Inn has closed its doors with owner Arkell’s Brewery claiming that business rates were too high.

The pub, in Swindon Road, Stratton, shut in the new year, but the brewery is hoping to reopen it.

Director George Arkell said: “We are working hard to find a new tenant and reopen the New Inn.

“However, this is being hampered by the very high business rates that are being levied on the pub by the council. They are currently around double that of the rent.”

The British Beer and Pub Association campaigns for better business rates for pubs and has thrown its support behind the New Inn.

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, said: “For pubs, business rates are a huge burden, making up around 10 per cent of costs.

“As well as getting bills down, we need to make it easier for pubs to appeal their rates bills and make the system respond more quickly to changing business conditions.”

The association’s national campaign is supported by organisations including the Campaign for Real Ale, Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers and Business in Licensing.

Coun John Haines (Con, St Margaret & South Marston) said he hopes the New Inn will not be closed for long.

“They had a pretty good customer base there and I want it to open again as soon as possible,” he said.

“I know they’ve had some financial troubles but I wasn’t aware of the reasons why it has closed.”

In November, the pub was fined £7,000 after it illegally broadcasted Premier League football matches.

A spokesman for Arkell’s Brewery said: “All Arkell’s managed houses, for which it has complete responsibility, only screen Premier League games through Sky or BT Sport.

“Arkell’s also advises its self-employed pub tenants to follow the same policy.”