The doors of the George Gale brewery in Horndean will shut at the end of March, at the expense of 21 jobs, it was announced on Monday.

It follows an �82.7m takeover of George Gale by Fuller, Smith & Turner, owner of London Pride beer.

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) said the decision showed "contemptible disregard" for brewing heritage.

This is a black day for the people of Wessex who fought so hard, only to be let down so badly Mike Benner, Camra

About 5,000 people had signed a petition calling for the 158-year-old brewery to be kept open.

Fuller's said the main Gale's beers - including the award winning HSB (Horndean Special Bitter), Butser, Festival Mild and Prize Old Ale - would now be brewed in Chiswick.

Other beers will continue to be brewed on a seasonal basis, but Fuller's said production of Gale's Bitter will stop because customers preferred its own London Pride.

Fuller's chief executive Michael Turner said: "Whilst we are sad to announce the end of brewing in Horndean, with the loss of 21 jobs, we feel it is the best option for the long-term development of Gale's beers.

Head brewer

"We are preserving employment in the local area as we will continue to run a full distribution and warehousing operation there."

He added that Gale's head brewer, Derek Lowe, would work at the Griffin Brewery in Chiswick.

Camra chief executive Mike Benner said: "This is a black day for the people of Wessex who fought so hard, only to be let down so badly.

"We are appalled at Fuller's decision. Fuller's has simply brushed the overwhelming public concern aside and continued with its own agenda."

He added that campaigners would be keeping a close eye on the Gale's beers to "ensure they do not become seasonal or disappear altogether".