Pubgoers fear they will be left high and dry when the two nearest boozers to their homes close.

Morrells, of Oxford, has been negotiating the sale of The Friar Bacon, in Elsfield Way, Oxford, since October 1998 and current landlords, Tom and Pauline Cleary, are on stand-by to move out.

The Cherwell, in Water Eaton Road, Oxford, owned by three partners, is also shutting after only ten years of business, because of lack of custom.

Joe Bradshaw, 70, of Bodley Place, Cutteslowe, a regular at The Friar Bacon, said he was sad to see the pubs go. He said: "It's a great loss to us, it will break the community spirit. We have great functions here, everyone dresses up, young and old."

Derek Parfitt, director of Morrells of Oxford Limited, refused to say exactly what was planned for the site, or when the pub was likely to close, but confirmed that The Friar Bacon would continue to operate as a pub "for the immediate future".

The Clearys took on the pub eight months ago on the understanding they could be asked to move out at any time, but will still be sad to see it go.

Mr Cleary said: "We are quite attached to it - we would have stayed if they had offered it to us. We like the lifestyle."

Living under the threat of closure meant they had not been able to make any plans for long-term improvement. Mr Cleary added: "They can kick us out, just like that."

Michael Britton, one of three partners who own The Cherwell, was disappointed that local people had not supported his pub.

He said: "We've tried everything to get a thriving business going, but it's no good if the community doesn't support it."

Hopes for success were high when The Cherwell first opened in 1988.

Mr Britton said: "It's no good people saying they're sad now and that they want their pubs back. It's too late.

"It's the old story of muscle - if you don't use it, you lose it."

Housing developer Banner Homes has applied for outline planning permission to demolish the pub and build 11 two-bedroom flats in its place.

Story date: Monday 05 April

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