Fun day boosts campaign to save Norwich pub

The landlady of a Norwich pub which looks set to be demolished for housing will be holding a fun day so people can see for themselves what a wonderful venue it is - and help get behind the fight to save it.

As previously reported an application to demolish the Canary pub and replace it with 25 homes has been lodged with Norwich City Council.

The move has angered locals at the pub, which is being sold by Enterprise Inns, who have started a campaign to save the Watling Road-based watering hole.

The fight is being led by landlady Lindsay Maher who has helped turn round the fortunes of the pub after coming in to run it more than three months ago.

Mrs Maher, who used to run the Horse and Dray in Ber Street, Norwich, has been hailed by regulars for breathing new life into the pub which was ravaged by fire and forced to close following an arson attack in May 2008.

She has organised the fun day in a bid to get as many people as possible to the site so they can see for themselves what an important asset the pub is to the community.

She said: 'We just want everyone to come and see what a great venue it is. If we lose the planning application this will probably be the last time the community can come together.

'We want them to back us. It would be such a shame for this community to lose it, there's nothing left on the estate. I'm still trying to keep everyone motivated. It's quite hard at the moment - people are feeling a bit sad.'

The fun day takes place tomorrow from 1pm and features a barbecue, music, karaoke, and car boot sale as well as a bouncy castle for the youngsters. While from 7pm bands Ska and Replay will be playing live at the venue.

There will also be a table set aside at the pub for people to write their comments about the proposed demolition of the pub to City Hall or add their names to the petition. All comments about the application must be sent to City Hall by June 7.

As reported last month plans have been submitted to Norwich City Council by Essex-based Dove Jeffery Homes to build 10 three bedroom houses, 10 two bed houses, and four two bedroom apartments with car parking. The proposals have since been slightly amended to include the provision of five two bedroom apartments instead of four.

People have until June 7 to make any representations

The Evening News has urged people to support their local pub through its Love Your Local campaign.

For more information about the campaign, or more stories log onto www.eveningnews24.co.uk and click on campaigns.

Are you fighting to save a pub near you? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk