RURAL landlords in the borough are being urged to branch out after sobering new statistics revealed plummeting sales.

Last orders may be called in many country bars after a nationwide survey showed profits have dropped drastically in the past year with the smoking ban, fuel increases, cheaper supermarket ales and the credit crunch beginning to bite.

Often referred to as "the heart of the community", the town’s idyllic inns are are struggling to cope, with some reporting a drop of £2,000 a week on last year’s takings.

Beer sales are now at their worst level since the Great Depression of the 1930s, with 1.6 million fewer pints being pulled a day than this time last year, according to the British Beer and Pub Association.

Jill Hasler, chairman of Macclesfield and East Cheshire Campaign for Real Ale (MECCAMRA), said: "People used to pop into a pub on their way home or go out of their way for a drink in the countryside, but with rising transport costs it’s happening less and less. And if there aren’t any buses going through villages then there isn’t any incentive to go for a drink there.

"Of course the smoking ban and cheap supermarket sales have had a huge impact, and when you factor in high fuel costs it’s just a nightmare for them.

"Also, when takings drop, they reduce their opening hours and then people drive through and see it’s shut and don’t go back – it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. They lose the heart of village life."

But the news isn’t all doom and gloom for pint pullers feeling the pinch.

Jill added that landlords who diversify by serving food or even setting up a post office and corner shop, can stave off a drop in sales.

Karen Farrow, landlady of both the Robin Hood, on Church Lane, Rainow and The Spinners Arms, Palmerston Street, in Bollington, said: "The Robin Hood is doing well because we do food. But The Spinners is taking £2,000 less a week than we were last year.

"This is all since the smoking ban was implemented, and, of course, the supermarkets’ cheap beer."

Jeremy Hague, landlord of the Egerton Arms, on Knutsford Road, Chelford, said: "We are down but you have to got to be positive.

"We’re going to offer the pub for weddings and christenings – you have got to look at different outlets, so I think we’ll be ok."

Jean Andrews, 38, landlord of The Harrington Arms, on the Leek Road, in Bosley, said: "It’s down at the moment because people just haven’t got the money to spend."

Gordon Elliott, manager of the Rising Sun, on Hawkins Lane in Rainow, said: "We have a new conservatory where food is sold. It has bridged the gap – you have got to do something to give them a reason to come into the pub."