TWO pubs are closing every week in the North West, according to new figures.

In total, 56 North West pubs closed their doors for the last time in the second half of 2008, British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) figures show.

A total of 39 pubs are shutting every week in Britain, three more than last year, including 19 in suburbs, eight in town centres and the rest in rural areas.

The BBPA, which represents the brewing and pub industry, criticised the Government over increases in beer taxes and millions of pounds of extra costs in red tape.

BBPA chief executive Rob Hayward said: “It is truly staggering that the Government is proposing to hit the sector with a £300 million bill for extra red tape this year alone.

”In fact, the Government openly state they believe that their new regulations will lead to more pub closures and job losses.”