Pub operator JD Wetherspoon is to close down its Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts for its individual pubs and head office.

The company, which has almost 900 pubs across the UK and Republic of Ireland, is shutting all the accounts with immediate effect.

The move also takes account of recent concerns regarding the misuse of personal data and the addictive nature of social media.

Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said: “We are going against conventional wisdom that these platforms are a vital component of a successful business.

“I don’t believe that closing these accounts will affect our business whatsoever, and this is the overwhelming view of our pub managers.

“It’s becoming increasingly obvious that people spend too much time on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and struggle to control the compulsion.

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Martin said Wetherspoon will still be as vocal as ever through its news magazine, as well as keeping the press updated at all times.

He added: “We will also be maintaining our website and the Wetherspoon app and encourage customers to get in touch with us via our website or by speaking with the manager at their local pub.”

Wetherspoon had more than 44,000 Twitter followers and more than 100,000 followers on Facebook.