THE changing demographics of an Oxford neighbourhood has been cited as a reason for the demise of one of the city’s backstreet pubs.

The Shelley Arms has been boarded up and sold by Punch Taverns and is not expected to reopen as a pub.

The pub, in Cricket Road, East Oxford, found itself in a predominately Asian neighbourhood, surrounded by non-drinkers, according to members of the Oxford branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

The group’s Oxford pubs officer Tony Goulding said: “It’s the end of an era.

“Because of the area it is in – with the closure of the greater part of the car factory and the area being popular with the Asian community and students in rented accommodation – the typical customers have disappeared over the years.

“The Asian population in the area generally don’t drink, although maybe some of the younger ones do.

“The original people in the area have just drifted away and so it’s not going to be able to support itself as a pub.”

Mr Goulding said there were still a number of pubs in the area, including the Jolly Post Boys and Rusty Bicycle.

The Shelley Arms, which had been run by landlord Colin Joyce for more than 20 years, was recently taken over by two Asian brothers before it served its last pint on March 17.

Fellow Camra member and Hendred Street resident John Mackie said: “They kept it as a pub, but also served Indian food, but unfortunately it didn’t take hold.”

Reflecting on the possibility of another publican taking on the business, he added: “I cannot see it. To my mind it has died a death.”

The Shelley Arms is the latest in a string of Oxford pubs to close. Pub operator Greene King has put The George Inn, Botley Road, up for sale.

The Bricklayers Arms in Marston has been sold by agents Savills, with the view it had “development potential”.

The Maroon @ St Thomas, formerly the Chequers, in St Thomas Street, has closed and is up for sale.

Meanwhile, Oxford City Council members will again consider a planning application for a shop and student flats at The Cavalier in Northway today.

Mr Mackie said: “The present trading conditions, the recession and possibly the smoking ban have all had an effect.”

Punch Taverns spokesman Leila Maia said: “We explored a number of options around the future of the Shelley Arms and a decision was taken to market it.

“The pub has now been sold.”