Unacceptable lease renewal terms have forced local legends Sam and Marie-Clare to announce that they will be leaving popular town centre pub The Malt Shovel at the end of July, their family home for twelve years.

The impact that the family has had on the local community, particularly the real ale and the music scenes, has been substantial so their departure would be a major blow to many.

A week of musical celebrations preceded the last day of opening on Monday July 14th.