A wave of pub closures has sent the call of last orders ringing through Merton, and with many being replaced by flats and shops, critics have accused pub companies of cashing in at the expense of communities.

More than half of Mitcham’s pubs have closed in the past 13 years, while two historic drinking spots in Wimbledon Village are under threat and others in Morden and Wimbledon Chase closed their doors over the summer.

The demise of the Cricketers in London Road this summer meant 11 of Mitcham’s pubs have closed since 1997, taking the total from 20 to nine.

Developers hope to replace the pub with shops, offices and 24 flats.

In a letter opposing the planning bid, Alexander Mags of the Mitcham Society said: “Housing does not strike us as being for the good of the whole community, it is for the good of a few specific individuals only.”

Paul Kirsten, the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) Mitcham representative, added pubs were vital to a community and blamed bad management, rowdy customers and Government taxes for the closures in Mitcham.

Meanwhile two historic Wimbledon Village pubs are facing closure.

Staff at the Brewery Tap in Wimbledon High Street claimed it was under threat as owners Enterprise Inns aims to convert it into shops and flats next year.

A pub has existed on the site since 1832 and the current pub was built next to Wimbledon’s only brewery, a five-storey building, which burned down in the 19th century.

Its manager, John Grover, said the pub came eighth in an Evening Standard list of London’s best- loved local pubs 2008, and was a profitable business that had employed hundreds of young people over the past decade.

But Mr Grover, who lives above the pub with his wife and will lose his home if the plans go ahead, said: “We are not here to make money, we are to be a good pub for the village.”

Employees at the Fox and Grapes in Camp Road said the pub was set to be taken over by new owners who hope to transform it into a restaurant.

Author Clive Whichelow, who has published a history of pubs in the village, said: “The people who own these places don’t know or care about the history, heritage or community aspects.”

One of Morden’s few remaining pubs, the Morden Tavern in St Helier, shut its doors last month – although a campaign group of drinkers and residents are battling to have it re-opened.

The Emma Hamilton in Wimbledon Chase also called time and closed this summer, complete with a graffiti tribute from regulars.

Councillor Andrew Judge, Merton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said news of the closures was sad – but warned in the current financial climate the council could not offer any extra support to struggling pubs.