Pub closures in the area have reached double figures as more customers feel the pinch.

Sixteen pubs have so far closed across the borough with as many as 10 calling time in the last year.

Over the festive period Nasdarovia, meaning cheers, in High Street, Uxbridge, closed and the licensee of the Brick Makers' Arms, in West Drayton, handed back her drinks licence.

Hillingdon Police's licensing officer, Sergeant Ian Meens, predicted closures in 2008 will be at least matched in the coming year.

He said: "There will be more casualties this year. Clearly people are drinking a lot more at home which can be seen from the difference in sales between off-licences and pubs.

"Places like Nasdarovia would have rent of thousands of pounds on top of staff payments and rents. It has to make thousands before it makes a penny."

Mr Meens told the Gazette how one Hayes pub, which underwent a £1million refurbishment three years ago, took a mere £18 in a whole day of trade.

Last week Wetherspoons announced they would be slashing prices to 99p on selected ale and lager and offering cut price spirits and food.

The Botwell Inn, Hayes, The Tichenham Inn, Uxbridge, and JJ Moons, Ruislip, will all be offering the lower prices to tempt back the punters.

Simon Mann, manager at the Tichenham Inn, said: "People enjoy going to the pub, however I appreciate that the economic downturn means they now have to be more careful with their money.

"I believe my new food and drink prices will allow people to enjoy a visit to the pub without it costing them too much."

But for landlords of the traditional local pub, the announcement could potentially drive more customers from their doors.

Mr Meens added: "Wetherspoons has always been the Asda of the drinks world. They've done guest ales for £1.50 for some time now and they're quite well run so I don't think it's going to be a major cause for concern.

"Normal pubs don't like the way they discount and there's general ill feeling. Not many of these old fashioned pubs are making much money. They're just trying to survive and get through the next year."

Pubs which have called time so far:

* Nasdarovia, Uxbridge

* The Brick Makers' Arms, West Drayton (licence returned) 

* The Ram, Hayes

* The Willow Tree, Hayes

* Old Rockingham Arms, Uxbridge

* The Railway, West Drayton

* The Swan, Ruislip

* The Oak Tree, Hillingdon

* Wagon and Horses, Uxbridge

* Blue Anchor, Hayes

* The Reindeer, Northwood

* True Lovers Knot, Northwood

* Chiltern View, Cowley

* The Windmill, Ruislip Manor

* The Hambro Arms, Hayes

* Six Bells, Ruislip