Calling time on 1700s pub...'due to Chancellor'

THE landlady of the last remaining pub in a country village has slammed Rachel Reeves's Budget as the "final nail in the coffin", forcing her to call time on the business.

- BY RICHARD ASHMORE

Carol Kenny took over the historic Swan Inn in Mattishall, Norfolk, less than 12 months ago, but has walked away because of rising rent, bills and business rates, which are set to cost even more in the new year when the Chancellor's policies kick in.

Ms Kenny closed the bar for the final time yesterday, leaving Mattishall, which has a population of more than 2,500, without a pub.

Although the owners hope to find a new landlord soon, some in the village fear it may end up without a pub for the first time since at least the 18th century, when the Swan opened.