A PRESTON community could lose its last local pub because the licensee says she can't pay 'crazy' business rates.

The Selbourne, in James Street, Frenchwood, must fork out £13,000 a year in business rates, and the charges are crippling publican Margaret Taylor's bank balance.

She fears she will have to close the watering hole, leaving the area without a traditional pub.

Originally the district boasted a total of five pubs, which have either been demolished or have closed.

And Margaret fears her pub could go the same way, saying: "These rates and charges are putting us out of business.

"Small local pubs like ours are being driven out of business, leaving only town centre ones, which are already overcrowded."

Locals say The Selbourne is one of their last remaining meeting places, and is a base for several community groups, including the local neighbourhood watch. Co-ordinator Pauline Sharples said: "This is one of the few places we can get together. Without the pub, it would be difficult for us to function as a group."

Local councillor Ken Cole is now campaigning for their rates to be reassessed. He said: "This would secure its future and make sure another community asset goes to the wall."

A spokesman for the council said the matter would be considered and added: "A formal representation needs to be made before any issue can be dealt with."

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