Riverside pub remains closed

David BaleA pub famed for its connection to legendary Norwich runner Billy Bluelight is still closed six months after the lease was put up for sale.David Bale

A pub famed for its connection to legendary Norwich runner Billy Bluelight is still closed six months after the lease was put up for sale.

The Woods End Inn on the River Yare at Bramerton, about four miles south of Norwich, is famous for the statue of the colourful character who used to challenge boat trippers to a race along the riverbank from Norwich to Yarmouth in the 1920s and 30s.

He is famed for his claim 'My name is Billy Bluelight, my age is 45. I hope to get to Carrow Bridge before the boat arrive'.

Peter Gullis, operations director for the pub's owner, Bucks-based Wellington Pub Company, said: 'The pub is still closed. We are currently trying to let on a new lease to a new tenant. Negotiations are ongoing.'

The Evening News reported last year that the lease was available for �55,000, but Mr Gullis would not comment on whether that was still the price.

Up until its closure last year, the pub had been run for two and a half years by Martin and Susan Wormell, who retired.

Billy Bluelight, real name William Cullum, was born in April 1859 and was one of the most colourful and entertaining characters to come out of Norwich in the 19th century.

The Evening News has through our Love Your Local campaign been highlighting the need for people to support their local pubs or risk them closing.

To see previous stories from our campaign log onto www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal.

For more information visit www.wellingtonpubcompany.co.uk.