In a fresh blow to the town, a popular pub in Shepton Mallet will be closing its doors at the end of this month.

The Horseshoe Inn will close its doors on the 29th January, the owners have announced in a Facebook post.

Dozens of customers and locals have responded to the post, offering their sympathy and support.

The closure comes less than a month after The Shrubbery closed permanently on Christmas Eve and a number of other pubs, bars and restaurants in the town are also on the market.

A spokesperson for the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said while Covid had a major impact on many pubs, it is the post-pandemic cost of living crisis that is hard for some pubs to remain viable.

The spokesman, said: "It was feared the impacts of the Government restrictions associated with the Covid pandemic would have deep and lasting impacts on the hospitality trade.

"In the case of the pubs and bars in the Bradford area, fortunately, the impacts were not as severe as expected although there were some casualties, especially in and around the city centre.

"Several landlords have indicated that the financial support provided at the time was enough to keep their businesses afloat.

"However, the post-pandemic situation is more concerning. The increasing costs of energy and goods, the cost of living crisis and the difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff are all having an impact on the viabilities of pubs and bars.

"Over the last year, there have been an increasing number of pubs that have been closed and bought for re-development and other uses.

"There is concern that, once Government energy support is reduced in April, the pressures will increase and more establishments will be at risk of closure and redevelopment.

"Pubs and bars provide an important community function in providing somewhere for people to gather, socialise and bond. If they close down, this will be lost.

"We urge everyone to visit their local pub and help support it during the coming year - they need the support of their communities now more than ever."