A GROUP of residents campaigning to retain a traditional pub has raised more than £10,000 in a bid to save the site. 

Locals have come together in an attempt to purchase Fiddle I'th Bag Inn on Alder Lane, near Newton-le-Willows, due to its significance as the last of four historical public houses in their area. 

The pub, with its origins traced back to the 19th century, closed its doors on New Year's Eve in 2018 and has since been desired by potential buyers.

The Star understands that plans to restore the premises and reopen as an Italian restaurant were discussed last year, however, it appears the pub remains on the market, with hopes the premises will undergo a full restoration and reopen as a traditional community pub. 

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In an attempt to secure the historic site, The Fiddle I’th Bag Appreciation Group has raised the sum in donations and is now hoping to secure the support of both their Prime Candidate Investor(s) and the Brewery Trust Inns in order to acquire the premises as soon as possible.

The campaign is being jointly coordinated by local businessman Rob Minjoot, theatre performer Lavinia, and community campaigner David Barton, to help facilitate a strategy toward occupying the site.

St Helens Star: The pub closed its doors in 2018The pub closed its doors in 2018 (Image: Newsquest)

Rob said: "It’s absolutely incredible that within just 48 hours of launching the fundraiser, we have managed to raise over £10k.

"Whilst this sounds great by itself, we believe and realize that we still need to go further but hope that this milestone in our campaign will help prove just how serious we are about saving the Fiddle."

Community campaigner David added: "We sincerely hope that we can get our Angel/Emergency Investor to commit to our cause very soon.

"We have a strong network of residents based across northern Warrington now and we hope to consolidate all ongoing efforts with the purchase of the premises in the near future."