A VILLAGE’S last remaining pub, the Kings Head, in The Street, Pebmarsh, has closed, leaving locals a two-mile trek to the nearest pub, the Five Bells, in Colne Engaine.

Landlords Kevin and Sharon Smith, who had run the Kings Head for about three years, made the announcement on its website. Mr Smith was made bankrupt last Thursday, according to the Official Receivers Office. The couple declined to comment when contacted by the Gazette.

The Smiths, who have three children, used to hold fish and steak nights and community events were often held at the free house.

Mark Collett, who lives next to the pub, used to hold his Pebmarsh Variety Club activities there. Mr Collett, 51, a medical representative, said: “We’re not pleased at all, because we used it not only for socialising, but it was also the hub of various community events where we raised money for the village and local charities.

“We held quizzes to raise money to re-do the changing rooms on the football pitch.

“It will be a sad loss. Kevin and Sharon are village people and realise how important a village pub is and don’t really want to let people down.

“We have got the country show coming up and they were very kindly going to sponsor the barrel of beer for the tug of war at Hunts Hall, Pebmarsh, on Sunday.”

It is believed other landlords have expressed an interest in running the Kings Head, which was built as a drovers’ inn and dates from 1450.