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‘Sad times’ as major pub chain with 1,600 boozers shuts down ‘top notch’ venue – but fans are thrilled about the reason
We reveal how many pubs are expected to shut for good this year
A MAJOR pub chain with around 1,600 boozers has shut down one of its popular venues.
The Kings Arms in Billingham is run by pub chain Greene King and closed on February 19.
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However, it is not all bad news for punters as the popular pub is only closed temporarily.
The venue is undergoing a six-figure revamp and will reopen in late March.
A spokesperson for Greene King said: "The Kings Arms on Wolviston Road, in Billingham, is closing its doors for a short period while it undertakes a six-figure investment from February 19.
"The pub will reopen to the public in late March, following a significant renovation to the pub both internally and externally."
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The venue is popular with locals who have been expressing their excitement at the revamp.
One person said: "Looking forward to it reopening, always had a great time in there."
Another commented: "Can't wait to see the new Kings!"
While a third added: "Good for the summer with a new garden."
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Others were not so impressed that the local was shutting down as one said: "Sad times."
It comes as many pubs are struggling to stay open at all due to the rising costs of living.
Just this week The Sun revealed that over 7,000 pubs are expected to go bust in the next year.
Rising costs and fewer punters through the door has meant that four out of five pubs have seen their profits take a nosedive.
This is putting pressure on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to slash booze duty on alcohol in next month's budget.
A poll of 200 pubs across Britain by Survation for the UK Spirits Alliance found 83% of pubs believed reducing the duty on alcohol would boost their business.
Wetherspoons has already shut more than 40 pubs and punters could be set to lose as many as 19 more.
In September last year the chain - which has 827 pubs across the UK - announced that it was putting dozens of pubs up for sale.
Almost half a dozen pubs remain up for sale, while 14 sites are currently under offer.
In 2023 The Sun revealed that more than 500 British pubs closed their doors for the final time.
Crippling taxes and inflation meant the total number of closures since 2017 hit 2,043.
Last year alone, 6,000 people were put out of work as a result of boozers having to call time.
Pubs are not the only places that struggling to get by in the current climate.
Many high street retailers are shutting down some branches for good and sadly some are disappearing from our high streets forever.
What is happening in retail?
The Body Shop announced just this week it was closing seven branches with immediate effect.
This comes as the the iconic beauty retailer fell into administration and revealed it would be closing almost half of its 198 stores.
Administrators for the high street stalwart said that its current range of stores "is no longer viable" but the move to restructure will "secure the brand's future".
Also, troubled fashion brand Superdry has said it is looking at various "cost-saving options" after reports it is considering a major restructuring which could include store closures and job cuts.
Boots revealed it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.
Even charity shops such as Oxfam are struggling as it confirmed it would close eight of its UK stores last year.
However, some shops are opening up in new locations.
Primark said it will open five new branches, and one is coming in just weeks.
The Frasers Group has announced it will be taking over the former John Lewis site at Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough to open another new concept store.
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B&M is opening six new locations at the start of 2024, including in former Wilko stores it has taken over.
See the full list of shops opening on the high street in our round-up.
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