A PUB in Flixton has become the latest casualty of the credit crunch.

Tipplers in the Red Lion in Irlam Road (pictured) on Sunday night were the last to sup at the pub, which has seen several landlords come and go in recent years.

Scottish & Newcastle, who own the pub, said the landlord had made a ‘business decision’ to leave Red Lion, but refused to say why.

They did, however, say they were hopeful the pub would reopen within a matter of weeks under the charge of a temporary landlord, although no date was given.

According to figures compiled by the British Beer & Pub Association, around five pubs are closing in Britain everyday. The group has blamed the smoking ban, increases in alcohol duty, and supermarkets selling wines and beers at a loss.

The group’s chief executive, Rob Hayward, also said the economic downturn was playing a part: “These numbers are a stark illustration of the pressures on the pub sector,” he said. “Economic stresses and strains are being felt by every household across the country and acutely by Britain's public houses.

“Sliding consumer confidence and spiralling inflation are hitting pubs in two ways. Not only are the costs of running a pub increasing, but fewer people through the door means less cash in the tills.

“Despite this, the Government seems intent on increasing the burden on pubs. Its current proposals to target pubs with a raft of new red tape such as statutory codes of conduct and to ratchet up taxes with its beer duty escalator will only make matters worse.

“Such policies will only drive up costs for pubs and prices for punters. Government needs to wake up to what's happening in the real world of the pub.”

Meanwhile, management at the nearby Fox & Hounds pub moved to dispel rumours they were closing which have surfaced in recent days.

One member of staff at the pub described the gossip as ‘total rubbish’, and said the landlord was just away on holiday.