Figures produced by the Government paint a striking picture of the way in which the country has changed since 1997.
The number of police stations has fallen by 160, the number of hospitals and clinics is down by 580, while the number of schools has dropped by a staggering 2,380.
Other big fallers include post offices, with the number of branches down by 39 per cent, from 19,000 in 1997 to 11,500 today.
Almost 200 public libraries have been axed, while the number of traditional sports and social clubs has slumped by more than half, with 11,680 closing since 1997.
During the same period 3,460 traditional pubs have closed. Businesses that have done well out of the Labour government include a number of less wholesome ones.
They include bookmakers, with branch numbers up by 39 per cent, from 3,270 to 4,540, and casinos, whose numbers have jumped by 27 per cent.
Traditional grocers and local shops have been hit by the rising number of large supermarkets, which have soared by 49 per cent.
The figures were produced by the Valuation Office Agency as part of the latest revaluation of business rates.
Mick McGlasham, general secretary of the Working Men's Club and Institute Union, said the closure of social clubs was 'tearing the heart out of communities' across the country and blamed Government legislation.
He said: 'I just wish the Government and people of all political parties would understand the role our clubs
play in the communities where they are based. When you lose a club you tear the heart out of a community.'
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