COMMUNITIES will get help to buy their local pubs in a bid to halt closures in Gloucestershire.

Radical plans have been drawn up by Pubs Minister John Healey after campaigners called on the Government to stem the tide of closures across the UK.

In response it has set up a £3.3 million pot to fund business support and provide funding to match the cash residents raise for community buyouts.

Regulars have fought a long-running battle to keep The Greyhound in Hewlett Road open.

Owner Brian Williams won planning permission to turn the pub into flats and staff will call last orders for the final time next month. Pub manager Dave Kelly welcomed the news more support would be available to keep local pubs open, but admitted it had come too late for The Greyhound.

"We would have got together to buy out The Greyhound if the owner was willing to sell," he said.

"But generally speaking the more support that can be given to pubs the better, because there is a danger of communities being left without places for people to get together."

The Government is also moving to reduce the impact of "beer ties", which force landlords to buy their beer from a small number of large pub companies at higher prices and makes it harder for them to remain competitive.

"Relaxing the tie is a crucial if many pubs are to stay in business. With the extortionate rates charged by large breweries and pub companies, the margins are often too slim," said Mr Kelly.

Nationally, 2,365 pubs were forced to close across the UK last year, leaving 24,000 workers jobless. The Government has admitted that the smoking ban has contributed to the closure of pubs, but says the economic downturn, changing social habits and rising costs have also played a role.

Mr Healey said: "This package of tough, practical measures aims to put some real support behind our community pubs, giving publicans more support to diversify and punters more choice. We need and can do more to support our pubs which can be at the heart of a local community.

"The measures are a much-needed shot in the arm for publicans in these tough times. They will make it easier to diversify, lower costs and cut red tape when it comes to branching out.

"It is also a boost for local communities, giving them a greater stake in the future of their local pubs often so important in bringing people together."

Councils will also be given new powers through the planning system to intervene before a pub is demolished to give locals a chance to come up with a plan to save the business.