THE Nag’s Head, one of Abingdon’s most historic pubs, is the latest watering hole in the town to call time on drinkers.

Staff were told on Friday that the Punch Taverns pub on Abingdon bridge will close on Tuesday, January 4, blaming rent and tough winter trading.

In the summer, the pub on the Thames is packed with tourists and boaters.

The closure announcement follows the decision by Greene King to allow Tesco to turn the Fitzharris Arms in Thornhill Walk into a Tesco Express in the new year.

The Plough Inn in Stert Street, another Greene King pub, is also up for sale.

General manager at The Nag’s Head Tracy Smith said the seasonal fall in trade, combined with rent of about £2,000 a week to a private landlord, had led to the closure.

She said: “If the people of Abingdon had used the pub more in the winter then, perhaps, we would not be in the position we are now. I have been the manager for the past year and I have done everything I can to drive trade but, unfortunately, it has not been enough.

“Punch Taverns run the pub but there is a rent payment of about £2,000 a week that goes to a private landlord.

“After the pub closes, the fixtures and fittings will be removed and the pub will then be boarded up. It will be a shame to see such a historic building boarded up on one of the main gateways into Abingdon.

“It would be nice to see someone else come in and run it as a pub but the building is very old and might need some structural work. If some money had been invested in the pub two or three years ago then we might not be in this position — it is such a shame.”

The Nag’s Head was originally three crofters’ cottages built in the 16th century. They were joined together and first licensed as a pub in 1856 and attractions include the pub garden and conservatory overlooking the river.

Nag’s Head regular John Uttley, 50, an assembly worker from Abingdon, said: “This is a historic building and you would have thought the brewery could have kept it going. It’s a shame but it’s a sign of the times.”

Seven staff work at the pub, including Ms Smith.

Punch spokesman Jo Mathers said: “It is with regret that we have decided to close the doors at the Nag’s Head on January 4 as the business is no longer viable.

“We are working with the team to seek alternative employment within our pub estate and we are also in the process of considering options for the site, which will include discussing its future with the landlord.”

Johanne Green, 39, a spokesman for the Abingdon branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, said: “The Nag’s Head is in such a lovely location that it would be disastrous if the building was sold for development.

“It was good news when the King’s Head and Bell reopened last year but some other pubs in the town appear to be in trouble at the moment.”