A bid to reopen a Suffolk pub has received a big boost from this year's budget.

The George Community Pub in Wickham Market is to receive support as part of the Government’s Community Ownership Fund programme.

The Chancellor announced the funding for an additional 30 projects through the £150 million Community Ownership Fund.

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Dr Dan Poulter and local councillor Carol Poulter fought hard to secure the money from the Chancellor and are delighted to have succeeded in securing this vital money for the community in Wickham Market.

This final chunk of funding will now allow the George Pub restoration project to go ahead.

It will be used to allow the community in Wickham Market to complete the restoration of The George Community Pub and provide a new multi-functional space for the community, which will serve as both, a vibrant and sustainable community pub, and as an activity space angled towards wellbeing and inclusivity.

East Anglian Daily Times: The George was badly damaged by fire in 2013.The George was badly damaged by fire in 2013. (Image: Archant)

Following a devastating fire in 2013, the historic George Public House in has remained closed ever since, with the community desperate to have it restored and returned as a much loved community pub and asset.

Dr Poulter said: “I am delighted that working alongside East Suffolk District Councillor, Carol Poulter, we have secured this money from the Chancellor for the restoration of The George Community Pub in Wickham Market.

The MP said: “Councillor Poulter and I fought hard to secure the money from the Chancellor ahead of the Spring Statement today and we are delighted to have succeeded in securing this vital money for the community in Wickham Market. 

“The demise of the George has been a great loss to the residents of Wickham Market not only as a building of historic and architectural interest but also as the last pub in the village."