Mystery surrounds the closure of the only pub in a Shropshire village.
Residents in Myddle, near Wem, have spoken of their disappointment after it emerged the Red Lion pub has closed.
It means villagers will have to travel about three miles to Harmer Hill to find the nearest pub.
The circumstances of the pub’s closure remain unclear.
Liz Hodge, of the village hall committee, said yesterday: “I think a lot of people will be sad that it is closed.
“I came to Myddle in 1984 and it was thriving. It has had different landlords since but I believe it has always remained open.”
Jack Wilson, clerk to Myddle and Broughton Parish Council, said: “I used to go there 20 years ago, if not longer, and you used to have to book well in advance if you wanted something to eat at the weekend.
“It used to be one of the best pubs in Shropshire for food.
“Unless they do good food, a lot of pubs are closing now which is a real shame.”