Pubs are so often at the heart of our communities and rural heritage, playing a key part in keeping our villages and towns vibrant.

That’s why I am delighted to be supporting the efforts of local residents in Gressenhall to save the Swan Pub.

Having ceased trading last year, an application to demolish the building and construct four new homes on the site was firmly rejected by Breckland Council’s Planning Committee. Since then, local support to save the pub has been overwhelming and the Gressenhall Community Enterprise (GCE) has been formed with the aim of buying the premises and bringing it under the community’s ownership. The GCE then hope to launch an ambitious crowdfunding campaign to give local residents the opportunity to buy a stake in the new community enterprise.

This Friday (23rd August), the GCE are holding a pop-up pub event, with a barbecue, bar and live music, on Gressenhall Green - so please do head along and support this great cause if you are free and in the area.

Mid Norfolk is home to some of the best community spirit around, and this yet another example of a community coming together for the benefit of all. All of us who value local pubs need to work to keep and use them!

To read more, please do visit the ‘Save our Swan!’ website here.