THE MP for East Hampshire has admitted that changes need to be made to reduce the number of pub closures.

But Damian Hinds isn't doing enough to push much-needed reforms, according to a pair of campaigning licensees from Petersfield.

Mr Hinds called for a new type of partnership between pub companies (Pubcos) and licensees during a parliamentary debate last week.

He also believes the Government should ensure that prospective tenants get proper financial and legal advice before signing a deal. It is commonplace for tenants to be slapped with huge increases in rent and beer prices within a year of taking the reins at a pub.

The result is often poor trade or closure as pubs get a "churning" of different tenants who struggle to keep the business afloat.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.