TIME has been called on one of Kendal's oldest pubs, the Black Swan.

Landlord Jerry Huppert told the Gazette it had been losing money for years and there had been "no way" for a small establishment to compete with the likes of nearby chain pub Wetherspoons, where pints can cost £1.50.

Plans have been submitted to convert the 18th century property on the corner of Allhallows Lane and Beast Banks into four "low cost" apartments. Members of Kendal Town Council have recommended the planning application be approved.

Mr Huppert said he felt saddened by the Black Swan's closure, and he had "tried everything" to make a go of the business, including serving food and letting the upstairs rooms. He described the pub industry as "really, really tough".

Mr Huppert is keen for the building, in Kendal's conservation area, to keep its character and heritage, and to be called Black Swan Apartments. "It's part of the history of Kendal," he said.

In the past decade, last orders have been called at many of the town's older, smaller traditional pubs, including the Victoria Tavern, Prince of Wales Feathers, Sawyers Arms, Kendal Bowman, Cock & Dolphin, The Phoenix and The Wheatsheaf.

One reviewer on travel website TripAdvisor described the Black Swan as "a great little pub" and said: "Such a shame it has closed. Used to be a really friendly pub with real ales and an open fire. Sad to see it go."

Another praised the lovely "old fashioned decor" and the "splendid wood furnishings and features".

Plans have been lodged with South Lakeland District Council by applicant Mr D Salzman to convert the pub into four self-contained flats with one or two bedrooms, providing "comfortable living space" and parking places.

"Within Kendal town centre there is a significant number of public houses," state the plans, "and the loss of the Black Swan as a public house will not limit the opportunity for local residents and visitors to enjoy a drink in Kendal town centre."

Back in August 2014, Freemasons from Kendal's Union Lodge gathered at the Black Swan to celebrate their 200th anniversary. The lodge was founded in 1764 at the pub.