IN LEGEND, the phoenix rose from the ashes - its York pub namesake has had no such luck.

Last month, we reported how The Phoenix, in George Street, had opened its doors after being shut for several weeks.

It closed in mid-December after former landlord Phil Grayshon left due to "personal reasons".

Owners Marston's Pub Company installed a management company in the drinking hole while the search went on for a new permanent landlord.

But now the community boozer has closed again, this time with metal paneling covering its front bay window and entrance, suggesting a longer closure.

Derek Gleadall, the area manager for Marston's Pub Company, said the pub had been losing too much money for it to remain open.

"We've got no plans to do anything else with the premises," he said. "It's just a case of us not being able to afford to pay the management company to stay in there.

"Until we find someone who can make it work, we can't keep it open."

He blamed the closure on a lack of custom. "We reopened the pub the other month, but it got absolutely no support from the local community," he said. "You can see it everywhere now.

"It's highly possibly the pub will reopen - but not at the present."

The news follows the recent closures of both the Tam O' Shanter and Wagon and Horses in Lawrence Street.

Asked whether he thought the smoking ban had played a part in the pub's demise, Mr Gleadall said: "I don't suppose it's done it any favours, because it's always been a traditional street corner pub."

Stuart Barkworth, the chairman of the York branch of CAMRA (the Campaign For Real Ale), said he was sad to see The Phoenix close.

"It's very sad," he said. "There's not many community pubs left in the city centre - a pub where locals meet, rather than for kids going out in town.

"One of the problems is the very high rentals charged in York."

He said he hoped the pub would reopen. "We'd hate to lose a pub like The Phoenix," he said. "We hope someone can take it on and make a going concern of it.

Anyone interested in taking over the tenancy at The Phoenix should phone Marston's Pub Company on 0870 1219254.