Tory hopeful Liz Truss has welcomed the Government’s proposals to set up a Pub Loan Fund to support communities.

Ms Truss, SW Norfolk Conservative candidate and Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “The announcement is great news for rural communities trying to protect the last surviving pub in their village.

“I believe assets like pubs, village halls, and post offices form such a crucial aspect of community life that I am keen to ensure as much assistance is given in protecting these vital services.”

She said the Pub Loan Fund follows on from the previous year’s successful scheme for community organisations to apply for financial support from the Government to protect the last remaining pub/ asset within a village.