'The death of the British pub in effect is the death of a part of British history': UKIP deputy backs bid to save Sedgley's Seven Stars

'The death of the British pub in effect is the death of a part of British history' - the words of UKIP's deputy leader who was in Sedgley to lend his support to save the under threat Seven Stars pub.

His visit came as campaigners - who were worried that the pub would close before Christmas - were told the pub would be open for the festive period.

Paul Nuttall, who is also an MEP for the North West of England, was invited to the Seven Stars by Sedgley UKIP councillor and MEP Bill Etheridge on Thursday.

Deputy Leader Paul Nuttall, (right) with Save the pub co-ordinator Martin Day, and (left) Craig Winyard, Press Officer to Bill Etheridge MEP along with guests at the Seven Stars pub

Mr Nuttall gave a speech to concerned residents and UKIP party members as the pub set to be sold off by Marstons to become a Morrisons supermarket.

"What we're seeing at the moment with the death of the British pub in effect is the death of a part of British history in many ways," he said.

"We have had pubs in this country for a millennium now and what we're finding at the moment is that 29 a week are closing and there's been over 10,000 close since 2007. In many ways a pub is the hub of a local community.

"When a pub closes part of a local community dies. It's something we should be proud of and something we should preserve.

"That's why I hope this pub stays open."

Campaigners were concerned that the pub would close before Christmas as they were yet to put out their Christmas menus, when other Marstons pubs had them four or five weeks ago.

But Councillor Etheridge said: "I am pleased to confirm that the Seven Stars will be open for Christmas.

"This is a victory for the people who have fought long and hard to keep this pub open and I am delighted to be able to be involved."

Mr Nuttall, who has also written a leaflet entitled 'Last Orders? The Decline of the Great British pub' and is UKIP's lead on the Save the Pub campaign, now thinks the pub might be saved. He said: "There seems to be a lot of support. From local people, the management of the pub, the people who work here want it to stay open.

"I just hope the owners, Marstons, see some sense and realise having a pub and running a pub is not just a business it is part of a community service in many ways.

"Pubs don't just bring money into a community they also bring activity and life. When a pub closes that important element of a local community dies with it and I think that's bad for society as a whole."