With as many as 27 village pubs closing every week, the Prince of Wales has taken up the cudgels on behalf of beleaguered locals across the country, pointing out the pub’s importance to society and local economies.

He has invited Hilary Benn, the Rural Affairs Minister, to accompany him today on a visit to The Black Swan Hotel in Ravenstonedale, Cumbria, to see how an ailing pub can transform its fortunes.

Two years ago The Black Swan was run down and for sale. However, under its new owners, Alan and Louise Dinnes, the pub has a turnover of more than £600,000 a year and is an essential part of the community.

Mrs Dinnes said that they knew from the outset that they could not rely on drinks sales for an income. She said: “We knew, too, it was important to be part of the local community. So we asked people what they would like us to do and got them involved.

“We have put in broadband and there is free internet access. We have installed a coffee machine and provide newspapers each day.”

With a £6,000 grant from the Prince’s Business in the Community programme the couple have converted a downstairs bedroom into a new general store, which is now a showcase for local food, crafts and gifts.

The Prince’s “Pub is the Hub” campaign, which began six years ago, was intended to ensure the viability of what are seen as essential amenities in rural areas. Already about 350 English pubs have benefited from small grants and expertise offered by his Business in the Community scheme. However, an industry survey claims that traditional pubs are disappearing at the rate of 4 a day. Many villages face the prospect of becoming permanently “dry”, but the threat is just as great to pubs in town and suburbs.

The British, Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) says that at least another 1,000 will close before the end of this year. The rise in duty in the Budget is the catalyst for the latest gloom among Britain’s publicans, who number about 57,000. The credit squeeze had already depressed takings this year and comes on the heels of the smoking ban, increased red tape and promotions of very cheap alcohol by supermarkets. Caroline Nodder, editor of The Publican, said: “Publicans just feel they have been stabbed in the back.”

David Cameron said that the Conservatives would tackle red tape. He also urged people to stop complaining about losing pubs and start visiting them. He said: “If you want to keep your local pub you have to use it.”

Mr Benn also offered support. He said: “The rural pub is more than just a business, it is the heart of the rural community.”

Among the 27 pubs that will close this week is the Roseneath in Gillingham, Kent, where Helen Dodson called time yesterday after 20 years in the business. Ms Dodson said that the smoking ban had made life difficult, but cheap alcohol in supermarkets had been the final straw. “We used to get 50 or 60 in a night and now it’s 10 to 15,” she said. “I really lay the blame on cheap supermarket alcohol.”

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