The company which owns the last pub in the heart of Hellesdon which has closed its doors again have insisted they are 'working to have it back open and trading as soon as possible'.

The Bull, which has had a somewhat troubled past with a number of closures and a succession of different people taking over the helm in recent years, closed yet again last month less than a year after the latest landlord took over.

John Bunkell was appointed in June and said he wanted to bring the Middleton's Lane watering hole back to its former glory but left after a dispute between him and members of staff over the festive period could not be resolved.

But despite having closed again the owners of the pub, which shut for periods in 2011 and 2014, have tried to reassure locals that it will not be a permanent closure.

A spokesperson for Ei Publican Partnerships, the new name for Enterprise Inns, said: 'It is unfortunate that the Bull remains closed for the time being, but we'd like to reassure the local community we are working to have it back open and trading as soon as possible.

'Anyone interested in the opportunity to take on this pub tenancy should ring the recruitment hotline on 03333200036 for more details.'

As reported last month, there have been calls to safeguard the future of the pub by the Norfolk and Norwich branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) who wanted to see it listed as an asset of community value.

Neil Bowers, pub protection officer for the Camra branch said it would be a 'great shame' if the pub were to close on a permanent basis and said it would potentially leave people in the area having to travel to The Otter in Thorpe Marriott or the Silver Fox in Taverham for a drink.

Drinkers in Hellesdon were once spoilt for choice and while there are still pubs in the area which are open, including the Whiffler on Boundary Road, the number of watering holes have dwindled in recent years.

Closures have included the former Firs pub on Cromer Road which shut in 2010 and has since become a Tesco Express and the Falcon pub, also on Cromer Road, which was converted into an East of England Co-op in 2014 after it closed.

This paper has supported pubs through our Love Your Local campaign.