The plight of the Swan Inn in Cinderford highlights the latest pub closure – a situation which has already cost over 40,000 jobs countrywide.

The pub is often seen as the focal point for local communities, for people to meet and to discuss local issues. The closure of these 'local parliaments' is surely detrimental to local and national democracy.

In order to level the playing field for pubs UKIP believe the following actions, among many others, would help them significantly:

•Stop supermarkets selling alcohol at less than cost price.

•Return licensing responsibilities from councils to magistrates for consistent licensing.

•Reduce costs of licensing for live music and entertainment in pubs.

•Review the restrictive contracts between pub companies and tenants.

•Scrap the Alcohol Duty Escalator which raises prices by 2 per cent above inflation every year.

If you want to help save your local pub visit the website http://www.SaveThe">www.SaveThe Pub.co.uk and sign the petition. Alternatively ring me on 01594 541486 for more information if you are not on the internet.

– Colin Guyton, UKIP secretary, Forest of Dean branch, The Great Barn, Park Farm, High Street, Ruardean.