THE landlady of a pub that could be demolished said on Monday that she had no choice but to close it down.

Wendy Lingard has only six regulars at the Village Inn in Pickmere - and they travel from Northwich.

"If the trade from the few people who drink in here could keep us in business then we would keep it open," she said.

"But unfortunately that's not the case."

Her brother, Harry, is now seeking permission to demolish the pub and build two houses instead.

He claimed on Monday that some residents complain to the police every weekend about noise from the pub.

"The residents knew there was a pub here before they bought their houses but now they complain about car doors slamming in the car park," he said. "But barely anyone even comes into the pub."

Miss Lingard took over the pub in Mere Lane seven months ago, but says she is lucky to take more than £20 a week.

"She doesn't even make enough to cover the rates let alone the bills or her wage," said Mr Lingard.

She had viewed the job as a fresh challenge but her short stay has been plagued by insulting anonymous phone calls and complaints from neighbours.

"This place has become my home as well as my business and I don't want to lose it," she said. "But what choice do I have?"

She believes that new residents in the village should sample her pub's delights before heading off to other towns.

"Village life just seems to have been lost because people are not interested in going to their local anymore," she said.

"I'll be heartbroken if I have to leave this place but there seems no way of saving it."