Nearly 150 pubs have closed in Mid Devon over the last decade, according to official figures which are set to fuel fears over the plight of the industry.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics shows that 140 public houses called time in the district between 2002 and 2010 – an average of 17 a year.

In the same time frame, 130 pubs closed in both Exeter and East Devon and 255 closed in Teignbridge.

The Racehorse Inn in Westexe, Tiverton, the Stag Inn in Rackenford and the Cadeleigh Arms at Cadeliegh are among pubs that have recently ceased trading, though regulars at the latter are currently exploring the option of a community buy-out while there are rumours that the Tiverton pub will be relaunched in the next few weeks under a new owner.

Proposals to create a ‘micropub’ in Tiverton were approved by planners last week, while a planning application has been submitted for a change of use for the Prince Blucher in Westexe from a public house to an antiques shop.

Campaigners say pubs provide a crucial role as the hub of local communities, but have been hit by “a triple whammy” of an increase in beer duty, competition from supermarkets and large pub companies selling beer to their tenants at above-market prices.

But the Government insists it is already tasking “decisive action” to support pubs.

Communities Minister Bob Neill said the Government had doubled small business rate relief for two-and-a-half years, abolished a tax on some ciders, cut red tape on live music in pubs, and acted to curb unfair sales of alcohol below cost-price by supermarkets.

“We are giving councils powers to introduce local business rate discounts, which could support pubs which offer community facilities,” he said.

The moves stop short however of a statutory code of practice for the pub industry which some MPs have called for.

The so-called “beer tie” – the contracts that force tenants to buy beer from pub companies rather than on the open market – has long been argued as one area in need of reform.