IN response to recent dissertations in the Oxford Mail highlighting the closure of public houses in the region, the United Kingdom Independence Party has already kickstarted another resurgent phase in its campaign to ‘Save Our Pubs’.

Marston, for example, used to have about 10 pubs. There are now no more than three.

Whole swathes of rural areas without adequate public transport, especially in the evenings, are ‘dry’. And to say UKIP is aggrieved at this state of affairs is an understatement.

Drink-drive laws, and (since July 2007) the smoking ban, have contributed to currently 28 pubs a week closing their shutters for good.

About 2,360 pubs called ‘last orders’ last year, with the loss of 1,000 Jobs from the industry.

The cost to the Government in Jobseekers’ Allowance alone works out at about £1.53m a week.

Other concerns UKIP has along with the beer industry are tied beer prices, duty and tax.

UKIP insists on reduced differentials and a fairer balance in beer pricing.

Important as it is, pubs are not just there to sell alcohol. They play an important role in the community in providing valuable meeting places both for business purposes and the ever-important general chinwag.

On average, pubs can inject £80,000 into the local economy, as sales of beer in pubs generates more funding into the public purse than beer sold through the off-trade.

The demise of our beloved pubs is rapidly becoming an important issue so – like in Switzerland – UKIP believes that the people in communities should get involved in what is left of our democracy and force politicians to listen.

JOHN MADEN, UKIP Oxford, Montague Road, Botley, Oxford