A council is holding a meeting for local publicans as part of an initiative to try to safeguardthe future of rural pubs in the area. South Norfolk Council has set up a special taskforce to examine the factors leading to the success or demise of pubs, and to consider whether the authority could offer any advice or assistance to licensees in the district.

A council is holding a meeting

for local publicans as part of

an initiative to try to safeguard

the future of rural pubs in the

area.

South Norfolk Council has set up a special taskforce to examine the factors leading to the success or demise of pubs, and to consider whether the authority could offer any advice or assistance to licensees in the district.

The group felt it would be of benefit to talk to two landlords representing both sides of the coin. But when it canvassed for volunteers during a questionnaire, 46 publicans wanted to take part.

Due to the overwhelming response, the council has decided to hold a morning conference and buffet lunch on Monday, September 29 which will be an opportunity for all publicans in the area to network with each other.

There will also be series of short informative talks on issues identified by landlords, such as business rates, trade waste and planning issues regarding signs.

Suggestions already put forward by the publicans on how South Norfolk Council might help include: providing financial training or assistance, organising a pub of the year competition, bringing political pressure to bear on the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) to provide funding for rural pubs.

The task force will wait until

the outcome of the conference

before making any final recommendations.

>New landlords have taken over south Norfolk pub The Falcon Pub at Pulham Market which had previously been closed for about six months. The pub is owned by Punch Taverns.