A PUB serving real ales pumped directly from the brewery across the road has closed.

Moorhouse’s Brewery in Burnley has announced the General Scarlett in Accrington Road has been forced to shut its doors.

It comes as David Grant, managing director of the Moorhouse Street firm, said the pub had recorded a loss of more than £50,000 last year.

Mr Grant said: “It is with great disappointment that we have been forced to close the General Scarlett.

“Our first pub, we invested in a major refurbishment a few years ago and have supported it in recent years, despite substantial losses, including more than £50,000 in 2013 alone.

“It will now be mothballed and its future reviewed subject to economic circumstances.

“While it is very sad to see any local community pub close, the harsh facts are that across the UK some 20 pubs shut-up each week in the face of the ailing economy, changing social habits, the smoking ban and cheap supermarket booze.

“The Scarlett is just one more casualty of that adverse climate.

“With no catering possible and no outside smoking area due to its main road location it has continually struggled to attract enough customers.”

Licensee Lynn Murton and her staff have all been made redundant, but Lynne will be allowed to continue living above the pub.

Mr Grant said: “We must sincerely thank licensee Lynne Murton for her dedicated service over many years.

“Redundancy terms have been amicably agreed. “The pub has been Lynne’s home for several years and we have no wish to see her move, so she will continue to live there for the foreseeable future.

“For local people wanting a night out we can welcome them to the brewery for a series of events, including comedy nights, planned for this year, making the brewery open to the public for three to four nights each month.”