KILVE'S only pub is closing as the owners struggle to make ends meet from the inn and hotel.

Local residents said it was a sad day, as the pub set to close for the first time in nearly 400 years.

The Hood Arms owner John Thompson said that their business plan was dependant on Hinkley Point C going ahead and workers staying in the accommodation.

"We have put a lot of money into it but with the Paper Mill closing and EDF still delaying on Hinkley we can't balance the books," Mr Thompson said.

"We will now be getting a valuation and looking to sell the pub, it is the hub of the village so hopefully things can progress quickly."

“I think devastated is the word,” said one Kilve resident.

Another added: “It is a very sad day. Don’t exactly what the truth is behind the closing but we will miss it.

“It is likely to have a knock-on effect, the bed and breakfasts and holiday cottages in the village advertise that there is a pub within walking distance, people come into the village store. We can only hope there is someone waiting in the wings to take it over.”

“We came down from the Midlands 30 years ago, and The Hood Arms was often filled with locals and tourists on a Friday and Saturday night. In recent years it has become more of a gastro pub focusing on food.

“There are a group of us that meet there once a week, it may only be for a few hours but it is a shame."