‘Save the Norton’

the project

Over the past few years the site of The Norton Free House has been subject to much change.  The pub has been opened and closed by various owners but the last time it closed it’s doors in 2007 it appeared to be for good following news that the site had been ear marked for housing development.Fortunately strong public opinion and the actions of a number of local residents convinced the planning authorities to decline permission for the development.  Having heard about our campaign a TV broadcasting company contacted a resident of the village.  Two Four Broadcasting had been commissioned by UKTV to produce a 5 part TV series called ‘Save our Boozer’ and had chosen The Norton as a possible subject.  Following a public meeting in July at which some 200+ local residents attended, a committee of local volunteers was put together to drive the project forwards in conjunction with the broadcasting company.

After many meetings and much correspondence a 1 month lease was negotiated with the owner in which time the local residents were tasked with refurbishing, re-opening and running their local pub, all the while being filmed for the documentary.  Following a number of weekend working parties at which many of the locals cleared the garden and redecorated the pub, the doors finally re-opened on 8^th August 2009 to the joy of the village residents.