More than ten per cent of pubs in the Braintree District closed between 2010 and 2017, new figures have revealed.

The data, from the Office of National Statistics, shows the number of pubs and bars in the area fell from 115 in 2010 to 100 in 2017.

Figures also show five pubs closed between 2016 and 2017, with ten closing between 2012 and 2013.

Tom Bogie, secretary of the North West Essex branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) said the figures were not surprising.

He said: "Pubs close for many reasons and while it is currently perceived that there is an unfair tax burden on pubs and pub goers compared to the supermarkets as a result of duty, VAT, soaring business rates etc., there is also a feeling that a well run, community orientated pub focussing on quality beer will generally flourish.

"There are also of course other demographic and socio-economic factors behind many pub closures."

Braintree has lost several pubs and bars since 2010, including popular drinking spots like Bar Sport, in High Street, which closed in 2015, and Bailey's Bar, also in High Street, which closed last year and is now Kaspa's Desserts.

Benson Bar, in Bradford Street, closed in February 2017 and The Rifleman, in Rifle Hill, was turned into flats in 2014.

Mr Bogie said particularly in rural areas the attitude of the planning authority can have an affect on a pub's success.

"In Uttlesford the council have a policy of not granting permission for change of use to the last pub in the village," he said.

"This of course does not necessarily ensure the survival of that last pub and a hiatus sometimes ensues, but it is also encouraging that there are successful examples of community buy outs such as the Green Man at Toppesfield and the encouraging news about the proposed community purchase of the Three Horseshoes at Helions Bumpstead."

Across the country, 5,745 pubs have closed since 2010, with 655 closing between 2016 and 2017.