More than half of all English villages have no pub and seven out of 10 have no local shop, a new report has revealed.

Research by the Countryside Agency and the British Beer and Pub Association also discovered that the loss of a focal point leaves a gap in the rural economy.

The organisations, along with Prince Charles, are launching a new campaign called "Pub is the Hub" to encourage village pubs to diversify to safeguard against closure.

Forum Response: Countryside Agency

Margaret Clark, director of the Countryside Agency, told ePolitix.com: "Pubs are at the heart of rural communities across the country, serving not only the locals but visitors, holidaymakers and nearby townspeople as well. Delivering other services, such as the post office and shop, makes sense for the pub and for the community. Many rural communities have had to contend with the consequences of foot and mouth, which has shown how mutually dependent are all parts of rural life - from farm to the local B and B to the last remaining village pub - so diversifying is even more important. This guide demonstrates how others have done it. What works for them could be put into practice more widely."

Forum Response: British Beer and Pub Association

John Longden, property adviser at the British Beer and Pub Association, told ePolitix.com: "We estimate that some six rural pubs are closing a week in England and Wales. But, landlords must be encouraged to think of themselves as rural retailers and look at what other services could be provided to support local needs. By diversifying their pubs beyond the normal food and drink boundaries, it will not only benefit their business but create new jobs locally."

Forum Response: Countryside Alliance

Adrian Yalland, spokesman for the Countryside Alliance, told ePolitix.com: "Pubs are a crucial component in the life of a rural community. As well as providing employment and an attraction to tourists, pubs are a natural focal point for communities which lack the amenities that people in non-rural areas often take for granted. Rural pubs could become a focal point of providing a wider range of services under one roof. However, the application of rate relief to pubs varies widely throughout the country and many councils are reluctant to grant higher levels of discretionary rate relief, which if granted might enable some rural pubs to avoid closure."