MYSTERY surrounds the sudden closure of three South Devon pubs.

The Plough Inn, at Haytor Drive in Newton Abbot, closed about three weeks ago.

And the Shipwright's Arms in Shaldon and the Kingsbridge Inn at Totnes both closed just over a week ago.

According to brewery Enterprise Inns, The Plough Inn is 'temporarily closed' while new tenants are being sought.

It is not known why landlords Andrew and Michelle Coxon are no longer managing the pub or how many members of staff have lost their jobs.

The closure of The Shipwright's Arms has also shocked residents who say it was 'one of the most popular' pubs in the village offering authentic Thai cooking.

The Kingsbridge Inn also shut its doors 'suddenly' despite hosting popular cocktail nights.

News of the closures has saddened residents and councillors in all three areas.

Bradley ward councillor Gordon Hook said: "The Plough Inn closed very suddenly. I don't know why it closed. It was open on the Sunday and then closed on the Monday.

"I am sorry to see it go as a local facility and I hope that someone comes in and takes it over."

He said the pub was either 'heaving' or 'empty'.

Nearby resident and councillor Robert Leeper said: "It certainly was well used by locals. They had a good clientele and I expect they are missing it."

He also said the brewery had spent 'a fair bit' of money refurbishing it about two years ago.

One resident, who did not want to be named, added: "I have not been there for years. I suppose with everything that's going on people just aren't going there any more. It won't be the only pub to suffer."

The Shipwright's Arms was run by Tony and Christina Cardwell who originally set up The Pure Thai Company, importing hand-carved wooden animals, ornaments and furniture.

Shaldon councillor David Cox said the riverside inn had built up a huge following from far and wide.

He said: "It is a real mystery because they seemed to be doing so well there. The pub was often packed with customers enjoying the food in the restaurant, and supping the excellent real ales on offer.

"I know it was a favourite with people from Shaldon and Teignmouth, and even further afield, and holidaymakers loved it in the summer because it had a nice beer garden. It was well run and appeared to be doing very well indeed.

"I am not sure what's behind the abrupt closure, but if it is a sign of the difficult economic times, then a lot of other pubs and restaurants could be facing a very difficult winter."

The Shipwright's Arms is one of five hostelries in the village, and one local, who did not want to be named, added: "With people spending less on going out, then something has got to give. I think there are just too many pubs in a village like Shaldon, especially in the winter."

But some publicans are bucking the trend and thriving despite the credit crunch.

Gina Coles, landlady at The Bay Horse in Totnes and her husband Will, have just taken over running of the Pig and Whistle at Little Hempston.

"We know people have problems and pubs are shutting, but a lot of the time there are background reasons for it.

"We have a great number of supportive locals who come in and we get a summer boost as well. This is our second year and we have been voted pub of the year by South Devon Camra," she said.