A community is banding together to save its last remaining pub.

The Windmill Inn served the mid-Norfolk village of Necton for almost 200 years before closing in January 2023.

Fearing the premises would be repurposed, a group of locals expressed an interest in buying the pub and running it as a community enterprise. 

The pub has served the community for 180 yearsThe pub has served the community for 180 years (Image: Necton Community Enterprise Ltd)

They started the formal process in June 2023 and, after two attempts of selling it at auction, the owner accepted the community's offer of £290,000 this August.

When additional fees are taken into account, the steering group will need to raise £300,000 for the purchase.

In a letter sent to their neighbours, they wrote: "The Windmill Inn is at the heart of Necton and for over 180 years played an important part in the lives of residents.

"Whether a casual visit for a drink and a chat or a planned family meal, it was always a welcoming place within walking distance.

READ MORE: Village post office to close for seven-week refurb

"The sense of loss in the village when it closed in January 2023 was obvious.

"The Windmill Inn will make an ideal community-led pub.

"It will be owned and managed by the community for the benefit of the community, providing a greater range of services than 'just a pub', including additional volunteer-led activities to fully utilise the building and address a range of social issues."

Fraser Bateman, a Necton parish councillor and a spearhead of the movement, confirmed that a share-buying pledge went live on Tuesday morning.

At the time of writing, £21,200 of the £300,000 goal has already been promised.