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Few would deny that pubs are part of local heritage. Yet the rate at which they are disappearing is alarming. Here at You and Yesterday we have featured a number of former hostelries in our 'lost pubs' series - now Peter Seddon provides a general overview for one of our 'Stories Behind The Pictures' pieces.

The above cartoon appeared in the February/March 2008 issue of the 'Derby Drinker'. The publication is an entertaining and informative read published by the Derby Branch of the Campaign For Real Ale - it is distributed free of charge to pubs in and around the city and can be highly recommended.

The cartoon is amusing but in a poignant sort of way - for it makes its point very well. That is that an increasing number of pubs are falling prey to demolition crews as they struggle to survive.

The cartoon was accompanied by some passionate prose which is summarised below:

Aren't all traditional topers over the moon? Of course, for 'Real Ale' has made a great comeback over the last couple of decades, and Derby and Derbyshire stand at the very forefront of that blessed revival. The word 'Mecca' comes to mind.

But hang on a minute. There is a 'yes' and 'no' element here. True, there are many great 'real ale' pubs in the county, but for every one that starts serving 'better beer' there is another that stops - and for a very good reason...... traditional pubs are 'under threat' and being closed and demolished at an alarming rate.

Of course there are countless fine pubs still serving - but the list of 'lost pubs' continues to grow too. And certain sections of the licensed trade are prone to gloomy and despondent talk as the first decade of the much vaunted '21st century' approaches its close.

The apocalypytic mood is readily explained - rising costs and falling trade. And many within the industry suggest that the latter is in no small part due to the 'smoking ban' implemented in 2007.

Apparently the evidence is in the till - or not as the case may be. More smokers are staying at home to enjoy a drink, while the predicted 'invisible queue' of non-smokers who used to avoid pubs has yet to materialise to replace them.

The outcome in many cases has been inevitable. Takings down, profits down, morale down - landlord decides to get out. New landlord not forthcoming, pub goes on the market, no-one interested, pub closes, planning for redevelopment approved by council, pub demolished, apartments or offices erected - satirical cartoon appears in 'Derby Drinker'.

The piece finished with a neat reference to wise words penned by the French-born British writer Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953), who after careful observation concluded that the very pulse of his adopted nation beat in its hostelries:

                                     'When you have lost your inns
                                      Then drown your empty selves
                                      For you will have lost the last of England'

Perhaps a little overstated, but his point has resonance.

To read more about 'lost pubs' - and for other drink-related topics with a local flavour - see our list of articles at Derbyshire Pubs - Your Stories Wanted!

• Derbyshire Pubs - Your Stories Wanted!

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County:  Derbyshire