THE traditional British local was under threat, said gloomy local landlords in the Gazette 25 years ago.

The landlord of the Cavalry, Paul Collins, placed the blame firmly on government and the breweries.

"At the moment, the great British pub tradition is more or less dead.

"The breweries have a definite policy to encourage beer sales in outlets like supermarkets, to the detriment of pubs.

"If things are to improve, the breweries should freeze their prices to publicans immediately."

The price freeze call was echoed by Bob Thomas of the Fountain, who feared the local 'as we know it' could disappear within the next few years.