BITTER ex-licensees Debbie and John Emmison aren't surprised brewers have called time on a Leigh pub.

The Astley couple say they quit The Brooklands - which Pennington people are trying to save - because there wasn't enough custom to make it pay.

"It's a pity locals didn't put the same effort into supporting it when we were there," said Debbie, who ran The Brooklands between March and November in 1995.

"The people in the area used the facilities when it suited. Bowlers would have us open up early so they could use the toilets, but we didn't get any green fees."

The couple and their two children Matthew, 7, and Natalie, 4, moved to the Leigh pub after a spell at The Old Ball in Warrington.

Debbie, who is now returning to nursing, recalled:"We left Warrington because the pub there was a drug den. We tried to clean it up but had the children to consider and decided to take The Brooklands.

"I had to laugh when I read the community wanted to save their pub. Greenalls' decision to get rid is only what I suggested two years ago."

Mrs Emmison said she sympathised with Margaret Hilton, one of the community leaders prominent in the campaign to save the pub

"I feel sorry for Margaret because she put her heart into organising things but nobody else wanted to help."

Mrs Hilton admitted the pub's support had at times been low.

"But it is doing well at present. I feel sorry for the licensees who are trying to make a go of it. The brewery must have known what was happening when they put them in. They haven't been given a proper chance."

Locals are now considering sending a deputation to Greenalls.

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