FOUR pubs in Cornwall have served their final pints and bid an emotional farewell to customers and staff as they close their doors for good.

As reported in the Packet last week, Matt Ferguson director of West Cornwall Inns announced that he was being forced to close all four of his pubs due to the current economic climate.

Announcing the decision on Facebook, Mr Ferguson said: "It is with huge sadness we must announce that West Cornwall Inns will cease trading on Sunday, October 22 leading to the closure of its four pubs.

"Until then we will remain open and trading while stocks last, so do call in to see what offers we have on while we run down our stock.

"Due to the current economic climate, together with the spiralling costs of electricity, food and drink throughout this summer, we are not in a position to trade into winter and it would be irresponsible to attempt it.

"The sad thing is we had a busy summer, and we'd like to thank each and every person who came to support us."

In the statement, he said despite a £2 million turnover it was still not enough for the business to survive.

"Put simply, a £2 million turnover is still not enough to make any profit, or increasingly even cover costs, as the outgoings in this industry are now just too high," he said.

"Hospitality has gone very wrong and we would urge those in positions of power to change that to act now, as we join a growing list of casualties.

"Our biggest regret is that we are forced to let down our wonderful, loyal staff - some of which have been with us right from the very start when we opened the Three Tuns in 2017.

"We are devastated that the last six years have ended in this way. Thank you for being part of it while it lasted."

READ NEXT: 'Act now' to save hospitality trade says pub boss as he announces closures

On Sunday (October 22) the Queen’s Arms at Breage, Henly’s in Helston, the fire Engine at Marazion and The Coldstreamer at Gulvas closed its doors for good. 

Matt and his wife Emma shared a final post on Facebook thanking members of the public for their support on Sunday. It reads: “Well what a few days that has been, and here we are on Sunday already.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the enormous number of people who have contacted us both publicly and privately since our sad announcement on Tuesday – with almost all the messages and comments being so supportive and understanding. We will miss you all greatly.

“We are also beyond proud and grateful to our incredibly loyal staff who have continued to come in to work each day for this final week, still with a smile for customers. Some have been offered new job opportunities already, which we couldn’t be more pleased and relieved about.

“If you are a business in need of staff, please get in touch and we can pass any opportunities on.